Created in 1997 as the social service arm of the Blaine School District, the Blaine Family Service Center was first given life through a Washington State Readiness To Learn grant. This funding source provided salary for a single half-time employee and allowed the center to provide a narrow range of fundamental crisis services, notably a children's clothing bank and a parent support group. Nonetheless it was quickly apparent that our center met critical community needs. Domestic violence support and a school supply bank were quickly added to the list of center offerings and additional revenue sources were sought to fund the expansion of services.
A gratifying level of community support, combined with vital state and federal grants and contracts, allowed our staff and services to substantially expand. In 1999 we contracted with DSHS/DCFS to provide Alternative Response System (ARS) support services for families at risk for child abuse and neglect. Shortly thereafter we added a federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, allowing us to add a Russian interpreter, additional support staff, and a host of afterschool and summer programs.
In 2000 we added an aggressive preventive dental program for children, energetic Medicaid and basic health enrollment, as well as a variety of family literacy programs that focus on early literacy development. In addition evening GED and ELL classes were added in a attempt to address our community's troubling levels of high school non-completion.
In 2003 our entire staff was recognized for professional excellence through the receipt of the Woodring College of Education's Award for Professional Excellence.
Last year there was some staff changes, creating two half time positions who run the Family Service Center. In the Fall of 2009 the staff was recognized by the Blaine School District Board of Directors and received a Certification of Appreciation.
