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Discover the Power of Family Enrichment Centers: Strengthening Communities in NYC

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Family Enrichment Centers (FECs) are revolutionizing community support in New York City. Launched by the Administration for Children’s Services in 2017 with just three centers, this vital initiative has expanded to encompass 29 FECs across all five boroughs as of July 2024. These centers, each unique and deeply rooted in their local communities, are in various stages of development – from established hubs with years of service to newer sites actively building their foundations. What unites them is a shared mission: to provide welcoming, family-focused spaces where all community members can connect, contribute, and thrive.

FECs are not just drop-in centers; they are dynamic, community-driven environments. Designed in collaboration with local residents, they offer a diverse range of opportunities for families and children. Whether it’s connecting with neighbors, volunteering time, participating in enriching programs, or accessing crucial resources, FECs are tailored to meet the unique needs identified by the communities they serve. These centers are built on the principle of empowerment, fostering environments where families feel supported and equipped to overcome challenges and build stronger futures.

Looking for a family enrichment center in your neighborhood? The ACS FEC Citywide Directory provides a comprehensive and up-to-date listing of all FECs across the city. This directory allows you to easily filter and sort by borough and operational status, ensuring you can quickly find the family enrichment center that best suits your needs. For easy access, consider saving this link as a shortcut on your desktop, guaranteeing you always have the latest information at your fingertips.

Learn more about the initiative by watching this introductory video on Family Enrichment Centers!

Family Enrichment Centers: Borough by Borough Directory

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Click on a borough below to explore the Family Enrichment Centers located within each area.

Bronx

Bronx H.Y.P.E. (Helping Your People Evolve)

O.U.R. Place (Organizing to be United and Resilient)

T.H.E. C.O.R.E (To Help Embrace Community, Organizing, Resilience, Equality)

Circle of Dreams

Harmony Hub

FEC site is not yet open to the public – The ROC (Restoring Our Communities)

FEC site is not yet open to the public

  • Provider Name: Kingsbridge Community Center
  • FEC Director Name and Contact Info: Kiani Oro, 201-535-3524
  • FEC Neighborhood: Kingsbridge/Bedford Park

FEC site is not yet open to the public

  • Provider Name: Bronxworks Inc.
  • FEC Director Name and Contact Info: Joseph Urbina
  • FEC Neighborhood: Williamsbridge/Baychester

Brooklyn

The C.R.I.B. (Community Resources in Brooklyn)

Brownsville Connection

  • Provider Name: Riseboro
  • FEC Director Name and Contact Info: Keisha Maxwell,
  • FEC Address: 1430 & 1432 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233
  • FEC Neighborhood: Brownsville
  • Social Media: Instagram

Bed-Stuy N.E.S.T. (Neighbors Embracing Strengths Together)

FEC site is not yet open to the public – The Yard

FEC site is not yet open to the public

FEC site is not yet open to the public

RISE UP (Resilience, Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment for Uniting People)

FEC site is not yet open to the public

  • Provider Name: Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service
  • FEC Director Name and Contact Info: Tolulope Arasanyin, 718-541-7939
  • FEC Neighborhood: Coney Island

Manhattan

The HAVEN (Harlem Achieving Victorious Excellence Now)

East Side S.O.U.L. (Safe, Oasis, United by Love)

FEC site is not yet open to the public

FEC site is not yet open to the public

FEC site is not yet open to the public

Queens

Community Connection– Provider Name: Forestdale Inc.

The B.R.I.D.G.E. (Build Relationships, Inspire Development, Growth and Excellence)

The SEVEN (Socially, Empowered, Vibrantly, Engaged Neighborhood)

CRECE (Center for Resources, Empowerment, Community & Education)

FEC site is not yet open to the public -UNITY (Unifying Neighbors by Integrating Teamwork Yearlong)

FEC site is not yet open to the public

FEC site is not yet open to the public

Staten Island

The Spot

Understanding the Core of Family Enrichment Centers

Family Enrichment Centers operate on a powerful principle: strengthening families strengthens communities. They achieve this by partnering with families and local leaders to pinpoint community assets and create “Offerings”—activities, events, workshops, and gatherings—that cultivate five key family protective factors. This approach is grounded in the Strengthening Families framework developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy, a research-backed model proven to reduce child abuse and neglect and enhance overall child well-being.

What are these protective factors that form the bedrock of family enrichment centers?

  • Parental Resilience: The ability to effectively manage stress and maintain well-being when facing challenges. This resilience is nurtured through individual, relational, community, and societal supports.

  • Social Connections: Building and maintaining healthy, meaningful, and trusting relationships with individuals, community groups, and institutions. These connections foster a sense of belonging and mutual support.

  • Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development: Gaining valuable insights into prenatal, infant, and child development, enabling parents to utilize age-appropriate and culturally sensitive parenting practices.

  • Concrete Support in Times of Need: Ensuring families can identify, access, and advocate for essential resources and equitable support, including basic necessities and specialized services tailored to specific needs.

  • Social & Emotional Competence of Children: Creating supportive environments and experiences that empower children to develop positive social skills, regulate emotions, and enhance communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Every aspect of a family enrichment center, from its name and physical design to the programs it offers, is a product of co-creation with families and community stakeholders. These centers are operated by community organizations with deep local roots, ensuring a genuine understanding of community needs and strengths. Participation in FECs is entirely voluntary, free of charge, and open to everyone in the community. Importantly, FECs prioritize accessibility and confidentiality; they do not provide case management services and do not require families to share personal identifying information to participate, including details about child welfare involvement.

Family enrichment centers represent a powerful, community-led approach to strengthening families and building more resilient and vibrant neighborhoods across New York City. Discover the FEC in your community and become a part of this transformative initiative.

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