The Founding of Enlace de Familias

Enlace de Familias was created originally in 1994 as a coalition of families and representatives of service providers and community organizations in Holyoke for the purposes of building a healthier, safer community for children. This effort was initially started by the MA Department of Social Services (DSS) because of the high number of cases of child abuse and neglect in Holyoke. As the coalition continued to envision its work, it realized that other resources and services were needed and expanded its vision and programs accordingly. Enlace is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of seven members representing community residents and area service providers. The Executive Director oversees a staff of eight.
 
Enlace's Mission
The mission of Enlace De Familias is to promote a community where all families are given the opportunity to improve their quality of life.
 
Enlace's Vision
Enlace envisions a multicultural community where families have the resources to be strong and build their lives in confidence and hope. In this community, residents are empowered to identify and address their needs and aspirations. 
 
Who Does Enlace Provide Services To?
While our mission statement does not specifically target a certain demographic, Enlace serves the poorest families and individuals in Holyoke; 99% of clients receive public assistance, Mass Health, food stamps, and/or fuel assistance.  Our contract with the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) requires us to serve Holyoke and Hampden County.  The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) requires that the majority of those we serve to be low-income.  The majority of those served by Enlace are Latino.
 
How Does Enlace Obtain Funding?

Enlace's funding is provided through grants obtained from:

Ma. Dept of Children and Families (DCF formerly known as DSS)

Grant Title: Community Connections

Grant amount: $125,000.00 (July 1 to June 30th annual contract)

Purpose:

  • Build a bridge between the work of DCF and the community
  • Coordinate community wide efforts where community service providers and residents will work together for the well being of families and children (we do this work through Holyoke Unites)
  • Provide services to families both directly and indirectly that will impact the well being of their children in a positive manner
  • Attend and participate at local / regional / statewide DCF meeting

Staffing: Executive Director and 5 FTE

 

 

Ma. Dept of Early Education and Care (EEC)

Grant Title: Ma Family Network

Grant amount: $111,500 (this is a reduced amount due to 9C cuts. Original amount was $143,871 July 1st to June 30th annual contract)

Purpose:

Provide services to families with children under the age of 4, services must include

  • Learn & play groups: Currently we are providing 3 self lead and 1 facilitated
  • Parent trainings: Nurturing Fathers Group
  • Child development assistance: Day care parents receiving 1 on 1 assistance
  • Early intervention services: Referrals made to local providers
  • Cultural and ethnic celebrations: Ongoing at Enlace
  • Coordinating parent advisory council: On going at Enlace
  • Parent and child activities: On going at Enlace