Building Families for Children Partnership Strengthens Family Stability

March 11th, 2019

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has partnered with Building Families for Children (BFC) to help ensure that students have the resources and supports necessary to succeed. The partnership was formalized with an official partnership signing on Wednesday, March 6 at the Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant in Columbia, Maryland.

Under the terms of the agreement, BFC will work with HCPSS Pupil Personnel Workers to support families in need of temporary housing for their children through the BFC Safe Families for Children program. The Safe Families for Children program provides a safety net for families by mobilizing a network of volunteers who provide housing for children and mentorship for parents, with the goal to achieve long-term stability. BCF will also coordinate school backpack and holiday gift drives to benefit Cradlerock Elementary and Lake Elkhorn Middle school students and families.

HCPSS Chief Financial Officer Rafiu Ighile, Cradlerock Elementary School Principal Jennifer Zinn, Lake Elkhorn Middle School Principal Lynnette Moore and Pupil Personnel Worker Tracey Williams joined Building Families for Children Executive Director Damon Thompson, Program Director Tricia Sakles, Safe Families for Children Program Director Brenda Ulman and Marketing Director Catherine Fields to sign the formal partnership agreement at the March 6 event.

Building Families for Children believes that every child deserves a safe, nurturing family where they can grow and thrive. BFC makes sure children are cared for in a family setting through its Family Strengthening and Treatment Foster Care services.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.