Early Beginnings

In June 1990, Family Partnership (FP) of Frederick County was created and operated as a family investment center. Grant funds were awarded to the FP and our partners for the following types of services: Even Start Family Literacy, Head Start and Child Care Development Block Grant full day year round child care, and Department of Economic and Employment Development (DEED) employment and training services.

By 1995 we learned that the DEED seed funding and Child Care Development Block Grant funds were going to end. Maryland Family Network (MFN), formerly Friends of the Family, Inc., invited us to join the Family Support Center (FSC) Network. MFN recognized the investment that Frederick County had already made in our families and it’s because of that investment, from the Board County Commissioners and the community, that MFN invited us into the FSC Network. New staff were hired to design and implement the child development and parent education services, which are the cornerstone of a Family Support Center.

Becoming a Family Support Center

As soon as we became a family support center, we were also designated as a satellite site for Frederick County Virtual School, previously known as Flexible Evening High School. We were able to help students who had found themselves expecting a child and were unsure of continuing their education in their regular high school. Other students who were already parents and had disengaged themselves from their regular high school were also targeted for our services. We were and have been ever since, offering these students an opportunity to remain and/or reengage in their high school education while receiving parenting support

Long Time Partnerships

Since becoming a family support center, FP has partnered with many agencies in the Frederick community. FP joined forces with the Office for Children and Families and Heartly House in securing home visiting funds for the Healthy Families Frederick project. We also partnered in the Judy Center project, a Maryland State Department of Education initiative for serving families of children birth through age 5 in the Waverly, Hillcrest and Lincoln Elementary School districts and we continue this partnership.   For the last 20 years, we’ve been partners with the Frederick County Health Department and Families Plus to provide prenatal services including a childbirth prep class for young parents. Since 2001, FP has partnered with Frederick County Workforce services to provide services to youth (parenting and non-parenting) between 16 and 21 years of age to assist them with achieving their educational and employment goals. FP also formed a partnership with Frederick County Department of Social Services to provide family support and family preservation services to families in the Frederick community.

When we started Family Partnership in 1990, we had five full time staff and approximately seven part time staff.  Now we have over 25 staff.

Our Mission

To support and empower children, youth, and families with the knowledge and skills needed to meet basic needs, to successfully navigate life's challenges and to advance their hopes and dreams. 

Our Vision

An inclusive and supportive environment where all people have what they need to learn, grow and thrive. 

Disclaimer

Family Partnership of Frederick County does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or political affiliation or belief.