Tina’s world was turned upside down when she became the legal guardian and caregiver for her two grandchildren. Uncertain of how she was going to provide for them while still needing to focus on her own education to increase her income, Tina visited United Way’s Eastside Family Resource Center (FRC). Originally recommended to go to the FRC as a way to find support for her and her grandchildren, Tina wasn’t sure what she would find there.

She ended up finding more than just a few resources that could help her in the immediate future, she found the resolve she needed to achieve her goals.

“I was without a lot of things and one of them was that I needed more education,” Tina said. “I met Miss Leticia and she helped me set some goals, like going back to school,” she added.

The compassionate team at the FRC, staffed by DePelchin Children’s Center, guided Tina on her path to improved stability for her family. They helped her obtain the support she needed for their urgent needs while also connecting her to programs that could help her go back to school, including programs offered by Goodwill San Antonio. This support helped her gain the certifications she needed to find better employment. Now, she is moving from her apartment to a home and has been able to purchase a new car.

“All the goals they set with me, I was able to accomplish because we started out with the smallest and then we started going to my biggest challenges,” Tina said.

She was also connected to support with her grandchildren’s child care. She has given back to the community during the time she served as a member of the Parent Advisory Committee for United Way’s Eastside FRC, where she provides invaluable feedback on how the FRC can support families like her own.

“I’m glad they have programs like this because I was able to go to school,” Tina said. “I also give back to the community. I became part of a pack. Being part of something helps to motivate you, especially being around like-minded people,” she said. “It made me more determined to accomplish my goals because you have people who are like-minded with you. We are pushing each other for success.”

United Way operates three Family Resource Centers throughout the community in partnership with DePelchin Children’s Center: The Northeast Family Resource Center, the Eastside Family Resource Center and the East Central ISD Family Resource Center. At these FRCs, visitors will find a staff member who will listen to their needs and help them find resources in the community that can assist them with the challenges they face. Whether it is housing, food insecurity, education, child care or other barriers to success, United Way’s network of FRCs help families with young children build stronger foundations for their future.

For families who need more individualized support, Family Resource Centers offer one-on-one Resource Navigation. Through this service, a dedicated staff member works alongside the family to understand their unique needs, identify their goals and develop a personalized plan for moving forward. Resource Navigation staff help families connect to community resources, navigate barriers and follow their progress over time. Whether a parent is working toward greater financial stability, continuing their education, securing child care or addressing other family needs, Resource Navigation provides ongoing support as families work toward the goals they have set for themselves.