Nursery Co-op
Family and Children’s Nursery Co-op is a short-term childcare and case management program for parents seeking to improve their individual and family circumstances through employment, education, training or support services in pursuit of self-sufficiency. Located in the annex of the Hagedorn Family Resource Center in Hempstead, the Nursery Co-op is unique in the availability it provides to its clients.
The Nursery Co-op program helps parents and guardians pursue and achieve personal and/or family goals as their children are provided with safe, nurturing, short-term childcare. By providing childcare, case management and referrals to appropriate services, the program enables parents to successfully reach personal and career objectives that enhance their ability to advance their family’s long-term economic stability and self-sufficiency.
Nursery Co-op parents also have the opportunity to participate in workshop or parent education activities. These workshops are one of the program’s most helpful and popular features. Because many of the families served are Spanish speakers, the workshops are bilingual. Monthly parent meetings are also held.
On site at the Nursery Co-op center is a thrift shop of sorts. Donations of clothing, household goods, appliances, furniture and other items are made available to parents to “shop” by filling bags for a nominal cost. The funds raised are funneled back into the program and help to offset fees for various family activities.
The Nursery Co-op often acts as a gateway to the full array of Family and Children’s services and helps families make use of the Hagedorn Family Resource Center. Two client testimonials say it all:
“The program is a great asset to me. It helps not only my child but me as well.”
“I would recommend this program to anyone who is trying to find work or schooling. It is a wonderful program with wonderful staff who take very good care of the children.”
The Nursery Co-op operates 4 half-weekdays for 11 months of the year. It is closed in August.
Lynn Vanderhall
Hagedorn Family Resource Center
120 Greenwich Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
Phone: (516) 213-0005 x7
Email: lvanderhall@familyandchildrens.org