The grand opening of the newly established Family Resource Center (FRC) was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 4, 2025, with leadership, staff, community members, partner agencies, and local representatives. Congresswoman Luz Rivas, Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, and Katherine Castrejon from State Senator Caroline Menjivar’s office were in attendance for the celebratory event that acknowledged CCRC’s new location and its ongoing vision to serve children and families.
CCRC President Donna Sneeringer was thrilled to welcome the day’s attendees to what she described as a long-awaited project that can serve as a critical model for the community.
Rivas, a long-time supporter of CCRC, congratulated the staff for their impact on the Northeast Valley. She thanked them for their work on behalf of families and presented a certificate of recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives.
The work of an FRC
The Sylmar location is the first of five FRC locations across CCRC’s 22,500 square mile service area. Each will offer parents, caretakers, and child care providers a single point of access to navigate compassionate support, strengths-based workshops, and tailored resources to meet individual needs.
Additionally, the FRC model is meant to be a connection point to community partners to ensure that families get all the services they require. As CEO Dr. Michael Olenick said, “Our first goal is making sure children and families get the services they need whether we have them, or others do.”
What families can find at the FRC
- Child care options: Families can find the child care option that best fits their needs and connect with affordable, quality programs — including evenings and weekends. Eligible families may receive financial assistance to make child care more accessible and sustainable.
- Confidence in caregiving: Guided conversations and engaging parent and caregiver cafés and workshops focused on child development. Possible topics include managing challenging behaviors, supporting social-emotional growth, and celebrating milestones.
- Comprehensive early learning pathways and family well-being: Expectant parents can access home visiting and family support services through Early Head Start and enroll in nurturing classrooms through Head Start.
- Healthy Relationships and Family Well-Being: Children and youth ages 3-21 who have experienced trauma can receive therapeutic support at home, in the community, or virtually.
- Basic needs assistance: Direct referrals and compassionate support help stabilize families when life gets complicated.
How providers can grow their practice
Quality child care starts with well-supported care providers. The FRC creates accessible ways to build skills in ways that fit with providers’ limited schedules.
- Hands-on trainings and apprenticeships: Practical, child-centered learning and best practices.
- Licensure and credentialing: Clear pathways to certification—paired with guidance to work through every step of the process.
- Interactive playgroups: Virtual and in-person groups to support healthy child development and family engagement.
Connecting Through Community
The FRC also focuses on community building, with free events and distributions in partnership with local agencies to engage the residents of Sylmar and surrounding neighborhoods. Events like CCRC’s Family Play Days center the joy of learning through play while connecting families to resources designed to support growth and resilience.
Building Relationships that Last
CCRC Vice President and Chief Program Officer Jose Ramos’s hope for the FRC is that “every family that comes into this building not only receives the services that they need but also walks away with a relationship to other community members. It is a support system.”
If you’re ready to connect, learn, or simply explore what’s possible for your family or program, visit CCRCCA.org, email [email protected] or call 818-517-0201 to get started.