Vision for Families (VFF) is a once-a-month gathering in which parents and students are encouraged to build relationships, create their own home libraries, and nurture a love of reading. Every VFF gathering enriches the culture of each school by providing a safe space to unite in the celebration of family, community and education. Each VFF is segmented into three special components that reflect the needs and desires of both the school and the individuals that attend VFF. The 2.5 hour program includes:
(a) a reading circle
(b) parent workshop
(c) dinner for everybody
VFF reading circles are supplemented by group discussions and incorporate a variety of reading modes. By gently challenging the parents out of their comfort zone, VFF empowers parents to take a pro-active role in their children’s education. Following the monthly reading circle, each household is given a copy of the book to take home; this is done with the intention of building home libraries. VFF workshops are designed to advocate for parents by providing access to a wide variety of critical resources, themes and opportunities.
VFF workshops are meant to provide a holistic mechanism of support by nurturing a safe social space in which parents are able to connect to themselves, their children and community alike. VFF believes that managing one’s emotional and physical well-being are foundational tools for a successful home life. Real-world challenges are simultaneously addressed: resume writing, employment opportunities, and mock interviews are provided through VFF.
A traditional ending to any familial gathering - every month, dinner is provided to all Vision for Families attendees at no cost. “Breaking bread” is in and of itself a powerful form of community building. Our families look forward to the opportunity to reflect on each VFF session, collaborate and simply enjoy a meal together. In this portion of the evening our families are relieved of the pressure to provide and prepare dinner. For some of our population the relief is more profound than we can immediately understand.
(a) a reading circle
(b) parent workshop
(c) dinner for everybody
VFF reading circles are supplemented by group discussions and incorporate a variety of reading modes. By gently challenging the parents out of their comfort zone, VFF empowers parents to take a pro-active role in their children’s education. Following the monthly reading circle, each household is given a copy of the book to take home; this is done with the intention of building home libraries. VFF workshops are designed to advocate for parents by providing access to a wide variety of critical resources, themes and opportunities.
VFF workshops are meant to provide a holistic mechanism of support by nurturing a safe social space in which parents are able to connect to themselves, their children and community alike. VFF believes that managing one’s emotional and physical well-being are foundational tools for a successful home life. Real-world challenges are simultaneously addressed: resume writing, employment opportunities, and mock interviews are provided through VFF.
A traditional ending to any familial gathering - every month, dinner is provided to all Vision for Families attendees at no cost. “Breaking bread” is in and of itself a powerful form of community building. Our families look forward to the opportunity to reflect on each VFF session, collaborate and simply enjoy a meal together. In this portion of the evening our families are relieved of the pressure to provide and prepare dinner. For some of our population the relief is more profound than we can immediately understand.