Two family agencies now under same roof

The Ron Wood Family Resource Center and Family to Family Connection have joined resources and are now under one roof.

"It was recommended by the Nevada State Department of Human Resources we do this," said Sharlea Payne, executive director of Ron Wood Family Resource Center.

"Many of our programs are funded under the same umbrella. It really made sense. Now we have a larger area and have more pooled information to offer. We're much better organized here."

The new facility is at 212 E. Winnie Lane in the Crossroads Center, next to J.J.'s Ear Candy and down the way from the Genghis Khan Kitchen.

Family to Family Connection used to be on Western Nevada Community College's Carson City campus. The Ron Wood Family Resource Center was at 625 Fairview Drive.

Family to Family offers informative and developmental classes for ages newborn to 48 months old. New classes include Baby Calming, Toddler Time Puppets, Infant CPR, Obstacle Course, Twins Support Group and Toddler Time Play Dough. Classes require registration and a small fee. Space is limited.

A colorful and toy-filled room is available for toddlers, as well as a moderate-sized "great room" with several glider rockers and a combined resource library, with books and videos.

Other Ron Wood Center employees are Dena Wood, family development coordinator; Teah Chadderdon, family advocate; Ada DeZerga, child safety specialist; and Joseph Warren, VISTA service-learning coordinator.

At Family to Family, Mary Kay Raponi and Jo Maier co-manage programs.

"We are now one-stop shopping," Payne said. "We have many programs available to families."

Programs include Parent Education classes and workshops, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention, Tutoring, Service-Learning Youth Group, after-school programs, Basic-Needs Services, Safe and Stable Families program, Car Seat Education and Installation, Individual Assessment and Case Management, Home Visitation, Information and Referral Services, and Cooperative Parenting and Divorce.

"The focus of Ron Wood Resource Center is delinquency prevention," Payne said. "We've expanded our services to include the whole family. It's open to a two-parent family, single parent or a parent with grandparent who may wish to be involved with the child.

"This program has been pretty successful. We've had parents call and say 'thank you,' and we feel there is no point where a child is beyond help."

Payne said the two groups assist about 100 families a month and the programs are open to everyone.

"So-called 'poor' families aren't the only ones with problems. We firmly believe in asset building and building self-esteem."

Ron Wood Family Resource Center also has in-school programs such as anger management and service learning. It is seeking adults age 18 and older to join a new tutor program.

Family to Family operates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Ron Wood is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.