Newberg Together: A Family Place

Written by: Hanna Laney

Ask folks around town and they’ll tell you: Newberg is a special place. Our small but mighty community is home to many nonprofit and charitable organizations working toward a better tomorrow here in the Camellia City. Newberg Together highlights these organizations and their volunteer needs. This week, we are featuring A Family Place.

Organization: A Family Place (Newberg location)
Address: 600 E. Sixth St., on the corner of Sixth and School streets

Mission:
A Family Place is a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest. The organization partners with courageous parents and caregivers who are building upon their strengths to overcome life’s challenges, build a brighter future for their children and contribute to thriving communities enriched by the power of their triumph over adversity. A Family Place combines community support and proven methodology to invest in the future of Yamhill County’s children and families.

Serving the Community:
A Family Place provides direct services to families in need within Yamhill County as a relief nursery and charitable organization. A relief nursery is a nonprofit provider that works to stop the cycle of child abuse and neglect using research-based principles, therapeutic early childhood services, and comprehensive family support.

With locations in McMinnville, Willamina and Newberg, the organization offers in-home family education and support, therapeutic preschool and child care, parenting education workshops, and a community diaper and clothing bank. The Newberg location, south of downtown near Edwards Elementary School, serves as an important hub for local families. Committed to a trauma-informed approach, A Family Place is a vital resource for families in crisis.

How You Can Help:
A Family Place utilizes volunteers alongside trained, professional staff to nurture and strengthen families. Volunteer Coordinator Rachael Bonnett said the greatest needs include:

• Parent education workshop child care:
  Parent education is a cornerstone service of A Family Place. As part of its programming, in-person workshops are offered at the Newberg location to provide skill-building and social support. To help parents attend and benefit from these sessions, A Family Place provides child care supervised by staff. Volunteers are needed to assist with setup, playtime interaction, mealtime and cleanup. Volunteers must complete a background check and training. Classes run for six to eight weeks, one session per week (1.5 to 2 hours each), in the afternoon or evening. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
• Relief nursery classroom aides:
  The relief nursery program offers therapeutic classroom education for children ages 0–5. Volunteers looking for a longer-term, structured opportunity are needed for the summer session from May through August. During the academic year, George Fox University interns provide support; however, during the summer, there is a strong need for seasonal volunteers. A more extensive background check, formal training and onboarding are required. Aides provide one-on-one interaction, assist with group meals and activities, and help tidy the classroom. Volunteers commit to one shift per week, on Mondays or Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Host a diaper drive:
  A Family Place operates the only consistent, free diaper bank in Yamhill County, according to Bonnett. Families are provided with a three-day supply of diapers, along with wipes and clothing, when available. No registration or voucher is required — families can simply visit on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
  Volunteers can support this vital service by organizing diaper drives as individuals or through workplace giving efforts. The greatest need is for larger diaper sizes (5–7), all sizes of Pull-Ups, and children’s clothing in good condition up to size 7. Diaper drives are a great way to give back — whether for a birthday, baby shower or just because — and offer an approachable way to connect families to other support services. Donations can be dropped off in the porch donation box or brought inside during business hours.

Learn about more volunteer opportunities at A Family Place’s volunteer information page.

To Learn More:
Visit www.familyplacerelief.org to learn more or fill out the volunteer interest form. You can also contact Volunteer Coordinator Rachael Bonnett by email at rachael@lcsnw.org or by phone or text at 971-241-1877.

Know of an organization you’d like to see featured in Newberg Together? Contact Newsberg to get started.