BoCoCa Diary: Help Families First Keep Its Doors Open

Today is Giving Tuesday, and if you are in a position to donate, perhaps you can support one of the most special places in the neighborhood, Families First, which may not be able to reopen in the fall without our help.

For the past 40 years, Families First has been an amazing resource for parents and young children in Brownstone Brooklyn. As its name indicates, families and their well-being have always been at the heart of this wonderful non-profit membership organization.

Located at 250 Baltic Street in Cobble Hill, the center offers a drop-in play space stocked with toys, inspiring art and music classes, and parenting workshops. Most importantly, it provides support groups for young parents and caregivers.
Founded as the Brooklyn Center for Family Life by two therapists in 1979, it was re-named “Families First” in 1983. At its core, the center's main principal has always been that the support of families is fundamental to the heathy development of children.

Families First is appealing to the Community for help in the message below:

Contributing what you can today helps us sustain this beloved place.

Whatever you give will be gratefully received and deeply appreciated.

Dear Families First community,

As you may know, Families First has been a “home away from home” for families in Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill and Brooklyn Heights for 40 years. Caregivers, parents and children gather to play, sing, read, dance, eat and learn in our play space, classrooms, library, snack and music room. We were in the midst of modernizing the center, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to postpone planned floor renovations, and have used our savings to pay utilities, rent and salaries.

I have been a part of the Families First community since 2012, when my eldest son started taking Level 1 classes with Ms. Nanette, then as a board member and now as Executive Director since 2018.

Both of my sons’ first school experience was at Families First, and they both “graduated” with Ms. Erin; carrying fond memories and a love of learning. Our teachers foster children’s curiosity and instinctively know how to nurture valuable social-emotional skills. Even in this unprecedented situation, Ms. Erin, Ms. Nanette and Ms. Melissa are able to connect with their students virtually in a powerful way, as those of you who have been participating in online Practically Preschool know. They miss being with their little ones in the classrooms, but their enthusiasm and warmth comes through even via a computer screen.

Our teachers depend on their salaries to support themselves and their own families, and we have been able to pay them their full salaries since the shut down in March. However, we will not be able to do so past June 1 as spring enrollment is virtual only and all memberships have been paused. We need your help. Contributing what you can now will help us sustain our beloved center. Any amount you give will be gratefully received and used to ensure that we can remain part of the neighborhood and open our doors once again, as soon as it is safe to do so.

We can’t wait to be together again and welcome back our treasured families, students and playmates.
Be well,
Alison Khalaf, Executive Director 

PLEASE DONATE HERE

To read more about Families First 40 year history in the neighborhood, click here:
Families First Brooklyn
Families First: Celebrating A Long And Proud Tradition Of Supporting Neighborhood Parents And Their Children

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Families First Invites To Its Burgers & Beers Benefit At Mooburger On Court Street

Families First, an independent, non-profit organization which has supported Brooklyn families since 1981, is holding its annual fundraiser and silent auction on March 12 between 6 and 9 pm.

The Burger & Beer benefit will be hosted at Mooburger, 240 Court Street. Tickets are $40 for individuals, $70 per coupe and gets you unlimited sliders and two drink tickets.

From Families First:
"This is our one “adults only” event at Families First. So, book your babysitter, invite your friends and get ready for a great night out in support of Families First! We have planned a fun-filled event - great food, drinks and some amazing silent auction items on which to bid. We are also having a raffle with the chance to win a reservation for two at Rao’s Restaurant – the “most exclusive restaurant in New York” according to Vanity Fair! Purchase your ticket with an easy click or in person at Families First."

Raffle tickets can be purchased online, even if you can't make it to the event.
Click here to purchase.

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Families First: Celebrating A Long And Proud Tradition Of Supporting Neighborhood Parents And Their Children

Nanette De Cillis, Families First Art current teacher

Nora Geraghty, board member, with Executive Director Paula Heitman

Families First throughout the years. Do you recognize anyone?

(photos below courtesy of Families First)

 Former Executive Director Linda Blyer (right) with then-Program Associate Maria Pagano (left)

and Sophie (center) in the 1980's 

Some of the first Families First members at the center

For the past 38 years, Families First has been an amazing resource for parents and young children in Brownstone Brooklyn. As its name indicates, families and their well-being have always been at the heart of this wonderful non-profit membership organization.
Located at 250 Baltic Street in Cobble Hill, the center offers a drop-in play space stocked with toys,  inspiring art and music classes, and parenting workshops. Most importantly, it provides support groups for young parents and caregivers.
Founded as the Brooklyn Center for Family Life by two therapists in 1979, it was re-named “Families First” in 1983. At its core, the center's main principal has always been that the support of families is fundamental to the heathy development of children.

Linda Blyer, who served as Families First executive director from the early 1980's till 2007, explained that the center quickly became a 'home away from home' for many first time parents who had moved to the City and were raising their children away from their own families.

"The center became a place to go, to connect to others," she says. 

Along the way, long lasting friendships were formed here.  Nora Geraghty,  a current Families First board member,  was brought to Families First by her mother as a child. When she became a parent, she joined the center and brought her own children. To this day, she is in communication with the friend she made at Families First when she was little.

Current Executive Director Paula Heitman speaks of the 'small town feel' which Families First provides. She points out that this sense of 'belonging' extends to caretakers, who connect with each other at the center.

Years ago,  I brought my own children to Families First. It provided a safe, loving environment that chased away the sense of isolation I felt in those first months of being a young mom. I attended the parent skill classes, learned baby CPR, and I made life-long friends. 

Quite a number of for-profit national day care franchises have opened in Carroll Gardens and  Cobble Hill of late. They may all be flashier and glitzier, but cannot duplicate the community Families First has created over almost four decades. Besides, membership fees at the center remain a true bargain.

Families First is a real gem, something unique in our neighborhood, which we all need to support and cherish. Let us make sure that this resource continues to thrive for many more generations.

If you are expecting or have a newborn baby, please attend one of their open houses and see for yourself.

Follow Families First on Facebook here. For membership information, click here.
You can donate to ensure Families First future here.

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Families First Brooklyn On Baltic Street, Holds Open House Tomorrow

If you have little ones and live in Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill or nearby, you will want to check out Families First Brooklyn, the independent, non-profit early childhood center at 250 Baltic Street.
Families First has been providing support for families and first pre-school experiences for neighborhood kids since 1983. This wonderful program was founded by parents for parents and the love and dedication shows to this day. Many first friendships are forged here, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes this such a great resource for new parents and caregivers.
(Both my kids attended classes at the center and it was the best experience. I am still friends with some of the other mothers I met during those early years.)

Memberships at Families First are truly affordable. So are the 'Practically Preschool' classes. The center offers an indoor play room, a lending library, and many drop-in classes.

Families First is hosting an open house tomorrow, Thursday, October 19th from 9am to 4 am. Come see the teachers and kids in action and get to know this neighborhood gem.

For all information on the center, its classes and upcoming events, click here.


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Families First To Host Its Annual Spring Carnival On May 20

Families First, an independent, non-profit organization which has supported Brooklyn families since 1981, is holding its annual Spring Carnival on Saturday, May 20th.

If you live in the area, have small children, and have not yet heard about this wonderful resource, you should check it out. It is a great way to connect to other parents. The center offers classes for your children, six months to 5 years, features an indoor play space and hosts workshops for parents and caregivers.

From Family First:
On Saturday, May 20th at 10:00am, the Families First Annual Spring Carnival will take place on Baltic Street, between Court and Clinton Streets in Cobble Hill. Sponsored by Families First, which is located at 250 Baltic Street, the day is a celebration of family and community for families of small children from toddlers to kindergarten-aged children.

The Carnival features the kids’ favorites: pony rides, bouncy houses, face painting, tattoos, carnival games, arts and crafts, a bake sale, a used book and toy sale and balloons!

The Annual Spring Carnival is the principle fundraiser for Families First, a not-for-profit organization established in 1981 to provide families with children’s classes, workshops for parents, and an indoor play space. Parents, caregivers, and young children, six months to 5 years, find a warm and supportive educational environment here that prepares them to successfully enter the school age years. Other sources of support for Families First are membership and program fees, grants and donations.


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Families First Hosts Its Annual Spring Carnival This Saturday, May 21

 

 

Families First, an independent, non-profit organization which has supported Brooklyn families since 1981, is holding its annual Spring Carnival this Saturday, May 21st.

If you live in the area, have small children, and have not yet heard about this wonderful resource, you should check it out. It is a great way to connect to other parents. The center offers classes for your children, six months to 5 years, features an indoor play space and hosts workshops for parents and caregivers.

Brooklyn Spring Carnival For Tots And Kids
On Saturday, May 21st at 10:00am, the Annual Spring Carnival will take place on Baltic Street, between Court and Clinton Streets in Cobble Hill. Sponsored by Families First, which is located on 250 Baltic Street, the day is a celebration of family and community for families of toddlers to kindergarten-aged children.

The Carnival features the kids’ favorites: petting zoo, a bouncy house, face painting, tattoos, mini-carousel, carnival games, arts and crafts, a bake sale, a used book sale and balloons!



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Families First of Cobble Hill To Host 'Winter Jamboree' For Little Kids

Families First, an independent, non-profit organization which has been supporting Brooklyn families for the past thirty four years, is holding its 3rd annual Winter Jamboree fundraising event on Saturday, December 5th. Rumor has it that Santa may make an appearance.

If you live in the area, have small children, and have not yet heard about this wonderful resource, you should check it out. It is a wonderful way to connect to other parents and the center offers great classes and a wonderful play space. 

Here is more information on the event.

Brooklyn Winter Jamboree for little kids

On Saturday, December 5th, the 3rd annual Winter Jamboree will be happening from 9:30am – 12pm at 250 Baltic Street between Court and Clinton Streets in Cobble Hill. Sponsored by Families First, the event will be a winter-wonderland celebration of family and community for families of toddlers to kindergarten-aged children. Tickets are $25/family - $20/for Families First members.

The Winter Jamboree features all the kids’ favorites: face painting, tattoos, arts & crafts, a bake sale, snacks and balloons! City Stomp, www.citystompmusic.com will be performing a concert and Erin Silber, www.erinsilberphotography.com will be on-site to take holiday portraits of your child for only $10. Rumor has it that Santa will be showing up too!

The Winter Jamboree is fundraiser for Families First, a not-for-profit organization established in 1981 to provide families with children’s classes, workshops for parents, and an indoor PlaySpace. Parents, caregivers, and young children, six months to 4 years, find a warm and supportive educational environment that prepares them to successfully enter the school age years. Other sources of support for Families First are membership and program fees, grants and donations.

For all programing and special events related to Families First, click here.

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Families First Spring Carnival Is This Week-End

 

 

Once a year, Families First, an independent, non-profit organization which has been supporting Brooklyn families for the past thirty four years, is holding its annual Spring Carnival this coming Saturday.

If you live in the area, have small children, and have not yet heard about this wonderful resource, you should get to know it.  It is a wonderful way to connect to other parents and the center offers great classes and a wonderful play space.

Here is more information on the Carnival:
"On Saturday, May 16 from 10am to 2pm, the Families First Annual Spring Carnival will take place on Baltic Street, between Court and Clinton Streets in Cobble Hill. Sponsored by Families First, which is located at 250 Baltic Street, the day is a celebration of family and community forfamilies of toddlers to kindergarten-aged children.
The Carnival features the kids’ favorites: petting zoo, a bouncy house, face painting, tattoos, mini-carousel, carnival games, arts & crafts, a bake sale, a used book sale and balloons!

The Annual Spring Carnival is the principle fundraiser forFamilies First, a not-for-profit organization established in 1981 to provide families with children’s classes, workshops for parents, and an indoor PlaySpace. Parents, caregivers, and young children from six months to 5 years find a warm and supportive educational environment here that prepares them to successfully enter the school age years. Other sources of support for Families First are membership and program fees, grants and donations.

We would like to thank Ridgewood Savings Bank and other corporate sponsors for underwriting assistance for the 2015 Spring Carnival. Proceeds from the event will be used to support parent/child education programs at Families First."

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Halloween Events Around The Neighborhood

Love Halloween? Great. You will have lots of neighborhood events to chose. Below is a list of fun stuff to do, which I will add to throughout the week. Start planning now, so that you won't miss a thing.

*First thing first. By now, you have probably heard of the Costume Karaoke and Parade in Carroll Park next week-end. Both events are organized by Friends of Carroll Park, the volunteer organization that keeps our neighborhood park looking great.

Costume Karaoke, Saturday, Oct 29, 6:00 - 9:00. Come on your way to your next costume event and belt out some of your favorite tunes. This was a really fun time last year, despite the cold, and we were treated so some truly wonderful local talent. We're hoping for warmer weather this year, but we'll have hot apple cider to wet the whistle and maybe some snacks. Will post a confirmation of the hours once we've locked in the excellent dee-jay we had last year!

The Carroll Park Kids' Halloween Parade! Sunday, Oct 30, gather at 12:30 at the park, parade at 1:00 up Smith Street to Degraw and back on Court Street. This event is always a hit and is led by the park's playground associate, Kathleen Henderson. Noisemakers for the first 200 kids who arrive!

*Families First Brooklyn on Cobble Hill Brooklyn will be hosting a Halloween Party for babies and toddlers (0-4 year olds) on Sunday, October 30^th 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET. Below is a flier we are distributing with full details.

Families First Brooklyn is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families. The organization offers a wide variety of high-quality classes for children ages 0-7, support groups for parents, and enriching parenting workshops. Our facility also has a playspace where parents, caregivers, and children can socialize and play indoors. Families First is located in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, adjacent to Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, and Red Hook. For more information, please visit us at www.familiesfirstbrooklyn.org.

*Join the volunteers of Urban Meadow at the Mother Cabrini Playground for their 9th Annual Columbia Waterfront Halloween Party and Parade!

Sunday, October 30 from 10 AM - 12 PM. Both the playground and the Urban Meadow are on President Street between Columbia and Van Brunt.

Bring the kids in costume for fun at this long standing tradition in our neighborhood. There'll be treats and Urban Meadow t-shirts for sale, a costume parade led by the Underground Horns band and a fire engine from a local FDNY ladder company, hula hooping in the Meadow and more!

*The yearly Cobble Hill Park Halloween parade will take place on October 31st at 4 PM. The Jah Pan Steel Drum Band will be providing musicThe event is free and everyone is invited. The park is on Clinton Street between Verandah Place and Congress Street

*Halloween Costume Swap at Build It Green! NYC - Gowanus, 69 9th Street, Gowanus, Brooklyn, Friday, October 28th 3pm – 6pm RSVP for the event here

Scare your Friends, Not Your Wallet. "Free GrowNYC Halloween Costume Swap keeps Halloween Black, Orange and Green!

Not impressing Bella with last year’s vampire outfit? Bring last year's clean costumes, accessories and funky clothing or just help yourself to some free Halloween fashion at GrowNYC’s Halloween Costume Swap. Swap items limited to clothing, costumes, and accessories only please.

Take a sneak peek at Build It Green! NYC’s new non-profit salvage surplus warehouse in Gowanus, Brooklyn - their second reuse center in the city! Activities include recycled cardboard mask-making with Solar One, spoke flowers hand crafting with Recycle-A-Bicycle, Halloween-themed music, a bone-chilling haunted house, festive family-friendly movies to watch, and an apple/donut-eating contest thanks to GrowNYC’s Greenmarket! There will also be a raffle for a children’s bike, thanks to Recycle-A-Bicycle."

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