The goal of PCRI's Family Services Department is to provide services related to children, parents and families that encourage and promote self-sufficiency and leadership. These services are open to families with children under 18 who are PCRI residents or clients of contracted partners. Sometimes programs are made available to the greater community. For more information about any of these services, call (503) 288-2923 or email the Family Services Coordinator.

PCRI Parent Network

In May 1998, the PCRI Parent Network was formed. The Network is composed of PCRI residents who advocate on behalf of low-income families on issues that are important to them. Parents receive training on effective community organizing, family-friendly business practices, leadership development and child care-related issues. The PCRI's Parent Network formed the first Portland team of Stand for Children, a national children's advocacy group. Network members have been interviewed by various media outlets including Portland Parent, The Oregonian and Portland Tribune. In 2002 the Parent Network was recognized by Commissioner Dan Saltzman for the work that they did campaigning for the Portland Children's Initiative. In addition to their advocacy work as local community leaders, Parent Network members also coordinate the annual PCRI resident BBQ and school supply drive.

Network meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month. Childcare is provided at the meeting. Members receive a $65 stipend that is paid to their child care provider.

Emergency Scholarship Fund

Quality child care can be hard to find. For many PCRI households, the high cost of child care makes work difficult. It can be particularly hard to pay for child care when you are starting a new job, have an unexpected family emergency, or are returning to school. PCRI offers a one-time emergency scholarship that helps eligible PCRI residents pay for a month of child care during transition or emergency times.

Parent Network Workshops

PCRI parents periodically hold workshops for parents all over Portland. Presenters cover a variety of topics some of which have included "Effective Communication between Parents and Providers," "What to Look for in High and Low-Quality Child Care," "The Benefits of Parent Involvement" and "Expectations of Single, Working Parents."

Parent Resource Center

In March of 2002 PCRI developed a Parent Resource Center. The Resource Center contains information on a variety of topics that may interest parents or child care providers. It has articles on a variety of topics such as where to find child care, free food programs, child care subsidies and current brain development research.

School Supply Give-Away

In August 2003 the Parent Network organized the first annual school supply giveaway for PCRI residents. A majority of residents had experienced a decline in income in the previous year, and so the Network wanted to help PCRI families start the school year on the right foot. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, the Network gave away 167 backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies.PCRI is seeking the following new school supplies for its upcoming school supply giveaway in August 2004: backpacks, markers, highlighters, crayons, rulers, protractors, notebooks, glue sticks, scissors, pens, pencils, calculators and folders. Please contact PCRI if you would like to make a tax-deductible cash donation or help with the school supply drive.

Developing PCRI Homes for Small Family Child Care Businesses

In March 2001, PCRI rehabilitated its first single-family house for a family child care business. Most landlords will not rent to family child care providers. Those that do often discriminate against them once they move in. In Oregon, where landlords can enact a 30-day no-cause eviction, providers frequently live in fear of such an eviction. They frequently live in substandard arrangements, converting basements and attics into living space to satisfy their business needs. This new house provides a wonderful opportunity for a child care business, and provider, to thrive.

More to Come

There are always new projects and events being organized in the Programs Department! We often have seasonal events and activities for our residents. Continue checking our newsletter for upcoming events or call us for more details.(Back to Recent News)

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