About  ◦  Mission/Values  ◦  History  ◦  Stress Affects Families  ◦  Prevention is the Key  ◦  FAQs

WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL NAME OF FAMILY OUTREACH?

The official name of our organization is Family Outreach Clear Lake/Bay Area, Inc. (FOCL/BA)

 

WHAT IS FAMILY OUTREACH?

Family Outreach is a volunteer organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and the strengthening of family life through education and early intervention.

 

WHO MAKES UP THE FAMILY OUTREACH ORGANIZATION?

The volunteers, staff, managing board of directors, and advisory board of directors of Family Outreach comprise a variety of backgrounds, education, professions, and interests. There are single, married, and divorced women and men. Some are parents, some grandparents, some without children, some empty nesters

 

IS FAMILY OUTREACH A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION?

Yes, Family Outreach is an incorporated non-profit 501© 3 agency.

 

HOW DOES FAMILY OUTREACH RECEIVE ANY FUNDS?

Family Outreach receives donations from businesses, grants, and private sources.

 

DOES FAMILY OUTREACH CHARGE A FEE FOR ANY OF ITS SERVICES?

Our services are delivered free of charge by trained volunteers.  (We charge a small fee for the parenting class book and materials.  Scholarships are available when requested)

 

IS FAMILY OUTREACH A UNITED WAY AGENCY?

No, although we are housed in the United Way building, Family Outreach is not a United Way agency.

 

WHAT PROGRAMS DOES FAMILY OUTREACH OFFER?

Family Outreach offers 5 child abuse prevention programs to the community:

  • Parent Coaching – parent mentoring in the home to at-risk families and parents experiencing child related problems

  • Parent Education – parenting classes and educational seminars to help parents understand their children and improve their parenting skills

  • Helpline – emotional support, information, and referrals to community resources

  • We Help Ourselves (WHO) – teaches school children how to protect themselves from abusive situations and where to ask for help

  • Community Awareness – public education about child abuse, prevention, good parenting, and Family Outreach services

 

DOES FAMILY OUTREACH HAVE ANY PAID EMPLOYEES?

Yes, Family Outreach employs four part-time employees –

  • Executive Director who oversees the day-to-day administration and management of the center

  • Assistant to the Executive Director who helps in planning and implementing fundraising and donor recognition activities

  • Program Director who recruits, screens, trains, and supervises volunteers

  • Parent Coaching Manager who assesses clients, works with clients, and supervises parent coach volunteers

 

Does Family Outreach only work with abusive parents?

No, people who want to improve their family relationships and to be "the best parents they can be" can be assisted by Family Outreach as well as those at risk of abuse and neglect.

 

How long has Family Outreach been in operation?

The first Family Outreach Center was opened in Richardson, Texas in 1973. FOCL/BA was established in 1984 to serve the families in Clear lake and the surrounding communities. We will celebrate our 24th anniversary in September 2008.

 

Where does Family Outreach get its funds?

Family Outreach depends on the generosity of the community in order to provide our services free of charge. All of our funds come from grants, individual and corporate donors, and the proceeds from fundraisers.

 

Are there any other Family Outreach centers?

FOCL/BA is one of 5 Family Outreach centers currently operating in the state. FOCL/BA is the only center in the Houston area.

 

Does Family Outreach have a Board of Directors?

FOCL/BA has a 10 member Board of Directors made up of Family Outreach volunteers who make decisions about the policies and programs of the center. In addition, a Family Outreach Advisory Board was established in 2005 to provide consultation and support to the Board of Directors.

 

Who provides Family Outreach services?

Most of the Family Outreach services are provided by trained volunteers. Assessment of all client families in the parent coaching program is provided by the Parent Coaching Manager.  Volunteers also provide some of the non-direct services, such as fundraising and publicity.

 

How are volunteers prepared to work with Family Outreach?

All Family Outreach volunteers fill out an application and are interviewed and screened to make sure they are a good match for Family Outreach. They also receive extensive new volunteer training in order to deliver services to the community. Consultation with a professional social worker is available for guidance. Volunteers are also provided with periodic in-service training.

 

How much time is required to be a Family Outreach volunteer?

After completing training, Family Outreach volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of eight hours a month volunteer service for one year.