At the Kent Family Center we believe that the family structure is more than the dynamics of parents and children. We recognize the importance of the wide-range functions of the extended family and the impact of the community. Our programs are designed to focus on the role of each individual within the family and to strengthen the entire family structure…building stronger families…building a stronger community.
SERVICES
Family support programs are offered in key service areas.
LOCATION
The Kent Family Center is located in downtown Chestertown (in the green building) at 601 High Street with our main entrance and parking located on College Avenue. Our center includes on-site licensed child care in a 1500 sq. ft. child development room that provides parents with opportunities to interact with their children and practice parenting techniques. Our fully equipped kitchen is used to provide meals through cooking and nutrition lessons for our families. We have an adult education classroom with computers and internet access and a 35 person capacity meeting room that is available for community groups to hold workshops, presentations and meetings. Rental fee may apply.
HOURS
On weekdays the center is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with extended hours until 9:00 pm for evening classes and meetings held by agency partners when scheduled on our monthly calendar.
PROGRAMS
Each day’s programs and activities are listed on the center calendar which is updated monthly.
REGISTRATION
All families are welcome at the Kent Family Center and our participating families come from diverse backgrounds and all economic circumstances. Participation in our programs is voluntary and most services are provided no charge to the participant.
QUESTIONS
Please contact our Service Coordinator at 410-778-7911 or servicecoord@kentfamilycenter.org
Visit our location for a tour of the Kent Family Center or to obtain more information.
Programs are offered in partnership with Kent County Adult Education to help parents to achieve self-sufficiency and to improve their ability to support their family through obtaining employment
- Adult Basic Education designed to improve basic reading, writing and math skills
- General Equivalency Diploma instruction (GED) prepares non-high school graduates with the skills and confidence necessary to pass the GED test
- Basic English language instruction for non-English speaking participants (ESOL); child care and literacy activities are provided for the young children of parents attending classes
- Career Exploration, Job Readiness and Computer Literacy
Families are offered consistent support in a safe and inspiring environment where child development programs take place; programs are designed to promote the development of the child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth
- Develomental education for children ages birth through age 5 strengthens the bond between parent and child
- Teachers use the nationally recognized Parents as Teachers (PAT) curriculum to plan parent/child activities
- Developmental delays are identified through evaluation and appropriate referrals are made
- Teachers role model positive parenting behaviors and developmental activities
- Licensed child care is also provided on-site - Fees may apply
Partnering with other agencies and organizations in the community Shared Opportunity Service, delivers a complete group of services at the Kent Family Center
- Strengthens community partnerships, expands our connections and broadens our reach
- Visitors are invited to tours the center and join families, volunteers and staff for lunch
- Quarterly Partners Breakfasts provide a collaborative forum for agency updates and dialogue
- Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals that are interested in getting involved
- Special events take place during the year at the center and other community locations
Qualified in-home visitors reach out to a diverse population who would otherwise not have access to the essential prenatal and child development information available at our center
- Programs are targeted to meet the needs of families with children, age’s birth through three
- Spanish speaking staff available to recruit and visit local Hispanic families
- Kent County One Stop Career Center provides job search services and veterans’ services
- Job search materials, internet access, resume writing software and workshops are available to assist individuals finding employment
- Kent Family Entrepreneurship Program is an innovative program, in partnership with Chesapeake Entrepreneur Center, which provides business skills that improve employment opportunities for participants
Formal and informal parenting education that is aimed at increasing participant’s knowledge of positive parenting techniques, developmental phases, and expectations of their child’s growth
- Classes and support groups on topics relating to health, nutrition, safety, learning and discipline
- One on one parenting education for families with specific parenting needs
Opportunities for participant families to expand social interactions and participate in positive family activities
- Field trips, crafts classes, exercise and recreational activities
- Special annual events and celebrations designed to educate about other cultures
A new program to promote healthy fatherhood relationships and to connect fathers with their children, families and community through information and support
- Program activities will focus on achieving self-sufficiency through employment readiness, and economic stability that will improve the ability of participating fathers to provide child support
- Dinner is provided
Links participants to programs in all service areas and makes appropriate referrals to agency partners when needed - provides customized programming for individual families
- Registration, needs assessment, goal determination and support, progress monitoring
Presents educational topics aimed at increasing knowledge on health and well-being
- Smoking cessation, cooking classes and nutritional information
- Expert guest speakers present on a range of wellness topic
- Weekly ‘Power Hour’ fitness sessions for parents
After school programs that are designed to provide activities that help to empower youth and protect them from at-risk behaviors. Youth select from a variety of after school activities:
- Mentor program New
Matches youth ages 6 to 17 years of age with adults from the community to enhance positive youth development through socialization, academic support, and healthy behaviors - Girls on the Run of Kent County New
We are an affiliate council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of over 140 locations across the United States and Canada. The program is a life-changing, non-profit, prevention program for girls in the 3rd through 8th grade. Girls on the Run combines training for a 5k (3.1 miles) running event with healthy living education. Our local program is partially funded by the Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore - Storybook Theatre
An imaginative program in partnership with the Prince Theatre that encourages youth who may otherwise not receive the opportunity to participate in the arts
...building
a stronger
community
601 High Street Chestertown, MD 21620
