– Ronald Brown
Prevention Director
Families Forward Virginia
According to the National Family Support Network, Family Resource Centers (FRCs) like the Newtown Family Center are nationally recognized for their effectiveness in strengthening families. Though known by various names and without dedicated federal funding, over 3,000 of these vital hubs exist across the country, each uniquely woven into the fabric of its community. Our commitment is to be precisely that for Newtown – a truly responsive, deeply integrated center that empowers every family to flourish.
The Newtown Family Center is aligned with Sarasota County’s Department of Health CHIP three identified Priority Areas (currently in draft form July 2025). The model creates the safe, connected, thriving neighborhood essential to implement the strategies and realize objectives delineated in Sarasota County’s CHIP: Priority #1 – Access to Care, Programs, and Services; Priority #2 – Behavioral Health and Well-being; Priority #3 – Built Environment.
While every family is unique, and every community has its own specific needs, our core belief remains: healthy, strong families are the bedrock of a thriving society.
We understand that raising children is a profound responsibility, and all families, in their diverse forms, deserve robust support. Our role is to champion and empower families, helping parents successfully raise their children, achieve self-sufficiency, and become active, engaged members of their communities.
The Newtown Family Center will be a welcoming hub where Sarasota County families can access a wide array of programs and services at no or low cost. Our offerings are uniquely responsive, developed with invaluable input from our Parent Advisory Council, local Child Welfare agencies, and the rich network of partner organizations in Sarasota, Florida.
Based on initial locally generated data, our multi-generational, strengths-based, and family-centered approach may provide:
Essential support for hurricane preparedness and recovery, including resources and guidance to help families plan for and rebound from natural events, a vital service for our Sarasota community.
A walk-in medical clinic with full-time pediatric and internal medicine providers, an on-site pharmacy, rotating specialty services, and nutrition guidance to promote healthy eating habits.
Classes, support groups, and activities designed to enhance parenting skills and foster the healthy development of children and youth.
Training, family activities, leadership development, and crucial links to vital community resources.
Family counseling and crisis intervention services.
Financial literacy programs to empower families with budgeting, saving, and financial planning skills, promoting overall family economic success.
A dedicated food pantry, clothing exchanges, and other concrete supports to help meet immediate needs.
Initiatives to prevent child abuse and neglect, increase school readiness, engage fathers and males, and support healthy marital and couples relationships.
