Reno, Nev. Aug. 8, 2022. The Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) welcomes local leaders, the community, and media partners to see our recently renovated Family Engagement Center in Sparks on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Our media partners are asked to tour the center, collect b-roll, and conduct interviews between 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The 6,090 square foot Washoe County Family Engagement Center (FEC) opened in 2017 and boasts several new additions, including a playground, artificial turf, furniture, toys, and programs. The FEC offers families expansive indoor and outdoor visitation space, providing a safe, positive, and friendly environment, where families can focus on healing. The center is critical to family reunification and is the site of more than 6,200 visitations a year, giving parents various opportunities to interact, play, and learn healthy behaviors, while building confidence in their ability to parent. Research has shown the most powerful motivation a parent has to make positive lifestyle changes is to see their children. During Fiscal Year 2022, HSA is excited to report more than 261 children reunified with their biological parents.
“Studies show a natural, spacious place reduces anxiety and depression. A decrease in behavioral issues and reunification probability increases significantly when parents visit their children more frequently in a supportive, nurturing environment,” said Washoe County HSA Director Amber Howell. “We are so excited about our staff and what this facility will offer our community. We believe the Family Engagement Center will continue to be a great place for our families to love, learn and grow together.”
Who: Washoe County Human Services Agency.
What: Family Engagement Center Open House.
Where: 905 E. Prater Way, Sparks.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Contact: Chris Ciarlo at Cciarlo@washoecounty.gov or 775-337-4500.
Media: Video, tours, and interviews available from 10 a.m. – 11a.m.
The Family Engagement Center offers the following:
- Visitation rooms.
- Teen area.
- Baby nurseries.
- Family room.
- Kitchen.
- Dining room.
- Sensory gym.
- Playground.
- Lobby.
- Staff offices.
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