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Contact Information
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Agency Description
Our vision is to assist families in becoming more independent, self-sufficient and healthy.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide and support services which are needed by families in our community, and are not provided by any other agency, or would not be able to continue without the help of Families Accessing Innovative Resources (FAIR).
History/Background
Families Accessing Innovative Resources (formerly Families First) formed in late 1997 as a new non-profit agency. The idea materialized through the need to find continuation funding for the Exceptional Family Resource Center and the Assistive Technology Project, before their respective grants expired. An agency agreement was formed with the Community Hospital Foundation to apply for grants and other funds through their 501 (c) (3) non-profit status.
Goals
- Improving respite care and child care services in our region;
- Maintaining and expanding our resource library for people with special needs, their families, and service providers;
- Maintaining and improving the Assistive Technology Demonstration Center;
- Helping to make preschool and child care services available to more minority and low income families; and
- Assisting in the development of systems changes in our communities.
Funding
Initially, services for families whose children have severe emotional disturbances or behavioral disorders were provided through an Omni Professional Partner Program contract. Services included respite care, mentoring, tutoring, and attendant care. In June of 1998, Families First received funds through a Family Preservation and Support Grant to help accomplish the above goals. In September of 1999, FAIR was awarded additional funding through the Family Preservation Grant. FAIR has also received United Way funds the past two years.
Board of Directors
FAIR's Board of Directors consists of individuals committed to improving services for families in our community. Three of the directors are parents of children with special needs. One is a special education teacher and another is an adult with disabilities. One board member is a certified mental health therapist. Another is an elementary teacher and former owner of Kiddie Corral Day Care Center. One director is the chairperson of the board for the Association for Retarded Citizens. The board meets quarterly; more often if needed.
Affiliations
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Family Resource Center Coalition of Nebraska
United Way
Special Recognition
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McCook is a Nebraska Good Beginnings Community
Nebraska SPRING
Through Nebraska SPRING, FAIR can access the Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC). The PIRC includes the Family Resource Line and access to the Early Childhood Training Center Media Center. The Media Center's numerous and varied materials are available on a free-loan basis. Additional information on these resources is available at Programs and Services.
On-Site Partners
- FAIR is currently co-located with:
- Partners in Parenting
(a Nebraska Good Beginnings Program)
Mid-Nebraska Community Action (Head Start program manager)
Programs & Services
Assistive Technology Project. ATP links people of all ages with the latest in special devices and services - "technology." People with special needs, their families, and the professionals who work with them can learn about the latest innovations, and can get help to find funding to obtain these tools and services. As a result, children and adults are able to lead more independent and productive lives. Services include Product Demonstration, Technical Assistance, Awareness Activities, Training, Consultations, Personal Support and an Equipment Bank. Covered technology domains are vision, hearing, communication, mobility, learning, and self-help.
Exceptional Family Resource Center. The Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) provides a library containing toys, books, and videos for check-out by families of children who have special needs. Materials are also available to service providers (occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech/language pathologists, service coordinators, early childhood special education teachers and others) who work with these children. The EFRC was developed by SWEIT (SouthWest Early Intervention Team), which is the Planning Region Team for Southwest Nebraska. ESU 15 is the Local Lead Agency for SWEIT.
FAIR Exchange. "FAIR Exchange" is one of our new projects. Families can bring in a used item or items that they no longer need and take home a different item or items that they do need. Examples of items are cribs, baby swings, strollers, baby monitors, baby clothes, and vacuums. The only requirement is that items are clean and in good condition (not stained or broken).
Hearing Screening Program. FAIR co-sponsors a hearing screening program with the McCook Area Sertoma Club. Throughout the year, screenings are conducted in childcare centers and in-home day cares, at the request of the providers.
Preschool Scholarships. To help make preschool and child care services available to more minority and low income families, FAIR offers preschool scholarships.
Project HEAR. Project HEAR (Hear Everything Around the Region) provides education about assistive technology equipment available to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and speech impaired. Project HEAR was developed by the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 1995. The goals of project HEAR are carried out by partner organizations that help cover central and western Nebraska. The partnering organizations include the Exceptional Family Resource Center (McCook) and the Nebraska Educational Assistive Technology Center (Cozad). Project HEAR also draws upon the knowledge and involvement of numerous other individuals who help organize support groups, serve as peer support persons, offer specialized consultations, and share updates on new technologies and services. They are an integral part of the service network in this vast, rural area.
Respite Across the Lifespan Program. In May 2000, FAIR was awarded the contract for the Respite Across the Lifespan Program for southwest Nebraska. This two-year contract will set up the infrastructure for respite care in 18 counties. FAIR will be the central contact point for families needing respite care, and will provide training for providers.
Southwest Nebraska Early Childhood Coalition. The Southwest Nebraska Early Childhood Coalition recently came under the FAIR umbrella when we were awarded the area's Regional Training Project grant. A group of 15 partners meets regularly to plan training for childcare providers, preschool and early elementary teachers, and others in the early childhood field. The Caring for Children Conference at McCook Community College each spring and activities during the Week of the Young Child are Coalition projects.
Affiliate Partners
To accomplish its mission, FAIR coordinates with other private and public agencies, community based organizations, and local business and industry.
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ESU 10
Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
Nebraska Department of Education
Nebraska Educational Assistive Technology (NEAT) Center
Nebraska Health and Human Services
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