The Family Place Celebrates 40 Years Serving the UV Community

The Family Place, a Norwich-based nonprofit that offers programs and resources to support healthy growth for children and families, will celebrate its 40th Anniversary with a series of events throughout the year.

The celebrations will kick off with a Community Open House on September 10 from 4:30-6 p.m. at its Norwich location: 319 US Route 5 South Norwich, Vermont 05055.

Additional pop-up events will be held throughout the year in Thetford, Norwich, South Royalton, Hanover, Woodstock, and Hartland. Events include a Gingerbread Festival on December 6 at Tracy Hall in Norwich and an Anniversary Gala on May 14 at the Quechee Club. More details will be announced at the Community Open House on September 10.

“Over 40 years, we’ve worked with thousands of families. That’s had a huge impact in our region,” said Executive Director Stephanie Slayton. “The work we do helps children and families grow from trauma, build skills, and provide tools to promote healthy development and learning.”

The Family Place also helps families connect with other families and resources. “We’re really helping families achieve their goals, so they can be strong and healthy, and that has a multigenerational effect.”

“It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Family Place as my family and I feel so strongly about the importance of the services they provide for young children and their families here in our community,” said Jessica Cowan, a member of The Family Place’s Family Advisory Committee. “My son is a graduate of their early intervention physical and speech therapy services. My husband and I were empowered by the wonderful team of clinicians who came into our home to work with our son and who taught us how to best support his early development. We also attend play groups and other activities hosted by The Family Place. This has not only provided my son with enriching play and social opportunities but has also provide me with the opportunity to socialize with other parents with young children.  The best part has been the opportunity to give back and support future endeavors of The Family Place by becoming a member of the Family Advisory Committee. I’m proud to be able to continue to support this amazing organization as they celebrate their milestone anniversary and as they continue to plan for the future.”

Slayton said people who would like to get involved can volunteer to support programs, participate in landscaping and building projects, or read stories to children in early education programs. They can also share information about The Family Place with the human resources team at their place of employment or with local moms’ groups.

Financial support is also appreciated. “One of the best ways people can support our work is to invest in children and families by becoming a donor,” Slayton said. “We are working hard to increase our donor base so we have more sustainable, flexible funding.”

Slayton credits The Family Place staff and their dedication to building caring, family-centered relationships to help the agency meet the community’s evolving needs.

“When I look at the legacy of The Family Place, what is remarkable about the organization is that it has adapted to the changing needs of children and families over time,” said Slayton. “We’re able to build new programs that meet current needs or expand programs. We’ve dramatically increased the number of parent workshops and classes we offer, because we saw a need. We’re really able to respond to what our community needs.”

For information about The Family Place’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, visit familyplacevt.org/40th-anniversary-celebrations.