Gwendolyn Garcia has joined Center for Family Strengthening as Program Coordinator for CFS’ major programs: Parent Connection, Kidz Tool Box for personal safety, Promotores Collaborative, Central Coast Breastfeeding Coalition and Postpartum Depression Support Services.
Garcia graduated from California Polytechnic University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Child Development and a minor in Psychology and also holds an Associate Degree in Early Child Development and Behavioral Sciences.
Impressively, while completing her studies at Cal Poly, she received training through Active Parenting and Positive Discipline. She worked as an“early childhood educator” at Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, served as Assistant Director at the Shepard Christian Preschool and was a co-teacher working with pre-schoolers at the County Office of Education in Paso Robles and Shandon.
“We are thrilled to have Gwen as an addition to our team,” said Lisa Fraser, Executive Director of Center for Family Strengthening. “Gwen’s education, experience, her enthusiasm in working with preschoolers and her ability to create supportive environments for children and families substantially enhance our efforts in strengthening families and preventing abuse and neglect in children.”
Center for Family Strengthening is a SLO-based non-profit agency dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through by building stronger families and supporting them with a myriad of programs.
Through its Parent Connection, Center for Family Strengthening offers parenting skills classes and coaching skills, and manages the Postpartum Depression Support Line and support services. Through Kidz Toolbox for Personal Safety, CFS teaches child protective and safety skills. CFS’ Beginnings program offers prenatal substance use awareness. CFS also educates the San Luis Obispo Community at large about child abuse reporting laws. Promotores Collaborative is a volunteer team of Spanish-speaking members who connect to families in need. CFS works with Public Health Programs to make dental care accessible to the thousands of children in this San Luis Obispo County who do not qualify for Medical. The Central Coast Breast Feeding Coalition brings together a collaborative team of breastfeeding advocates to network, share resources, accomplish projects and provide breastfeeding education based on current research and best practice. To provide families high-quality services and opportunities to thrive, CFS also partners with 14 county-wide Family Resource Centers.
About Center for Family Strengthening (formerly SLO-CAP): In 1988 the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors designated Center for Family Strengthening (CFS) as the self-governing entity responsible for local efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. Center for Family Strengthening is dedicated to strengthening families through education and advocacy. Center for Family Strengthening partners with family support organizations in SLO County to provide resources to families in need, protect children from abuse and neglect, and ensure that strong families are a community priority. To donate or learn more about Center for Family Strengthening go to www.cfsslo.org or call (805) 543-6216.
