Family and Community Engagement
Cleveland City Schools is in the planning phase to create a Family Resource Center at The Denning Center. The Family Resource Center will aim to support families in Cleveland City Schools through an interconnected and consistent approach that responds to the mental health and wellbeing of students and families. These efforts will be enhanced by ensuring a pathway of prosperity for students and families through programs and partnerships. We are currently conducting a needs assessment and prioritizing the areas of need within our community. We have identified the areas of non-english speaking families, homelessness, and chronic absenteeism as targeted needs for our initial work.
In addition, we have secured funding for construction of a food pantry and clothing closet to support our families. This market will not only provide these resources to each school, but will also have public operating hours for families to visit after school. We anticipate opening this critical program for our families in early spring.
This spring we will offer several Parent Education Opportunities in the areas of English Language Learning, Job Training, Healthy Lifestyle, Family Wellness, and School System Support. These will provide a foundation for future family engagements. A survey will be provided at the end of each session to assess needs for continued planning.
As identified in community needs assessments, the Family Resource Center will also work to improve access to healthcare for our families. This will be enhanced through partnerships with Health Care Providers to provide education and health care to families in our school district.
The foundation of our work will be dependent on community partnerships and volunteer opportunities. This will not only provide sustainability for operational function, but will also allow us to pursue resources in areas of need. We will work to create a website that provides information about the Family Resource Center that includes general program information, resources, volunteer opportunities, and donation needs. This will help further support our efforts to assist families in need.
For more information, contact Autumn O’Bryan, Director of Family and Community Engagement, aobryan@clevelandschools.org.
Barbara's Market
Barbara Ector devoted her life to helping others, particularly children and families in need. She believed in creating opportunities and providing resources to ensure every child could thrive. Her compassionate heart and dedication to service continue to inspire us, and we are proud to carry forward her vision through Barbara's Market.
About Barbara's Market
Barbara's Market will provide essential resources such as food, clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies to families in our community. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to success and ensure every student has the tools they need to excel academically and personally.
To make this vision a reality, we are asking for your support.
How You Can Help
Donations accepted on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. at 350 Central Avenue.
Priority Donations:
Youth Clothing: New or slightly used, sizes Newborn to 14.
Hygiene Items: Shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes.
Wishlist:
We have created an Amazon Wishlist for Barbara's Market to make it easy for you to contribute. Items purchased from the wishlist will be shipped directly to the Family Resource Center.
Parent Education Opportunities
The Family Resource Center aims to support families in Cleveland City Schools through an interconnected and consistent approach that responds to the health and wellbeing of students and families. We believe parents and schools can work collaboratively to support our students. Parent education programs can help parents understand their children's needs and development, and improve communication and understanding between family members and schools.
Upcoming Opportunities:
January 30th: PARENT PLAYBOOK {Presented by Dr. Danielle Scarth, Behavior and Life Skills Specialist} originally scheduled for January 21st from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at 350 Central Avenue. This session will now be offered on January 30th from 6:00 - 7:00. This class focuses on equipping parents with tools to guide their child’s behavioral development and foster new, positive habits. Using evidence-based approaches, parents will learn how to encourage desirable behaviors, reduce challenges, and create a foundation for lifelong growth. This class provides a supportive space for parents to learn, practice, and reflect on strategies that promote positive behavioral changes. With a focus on collaboration, parents will leave equipped to handle real-life challenges and celebrate the successes of helping their children grow into their best selves.
February 12th: HEART HEALTH (Presented by Laura Davis, School Health Coordinator, and Brianna Robinson, Bradley County Health Department Public Health Educator) February 20th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at 350 Central Avenue.
To register for any Parent Education Opportunity, click on the link below:
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