Many successful programs provide their staffs with a pool of flexible funds, which they can use at their discretion to help a family buy a washing machine, obtain a wheelchair, or get the car repaired. This flexibility often extends to where and when their help is available. Staff members respond to the needs of families at times and places that make sense to the family, at home, at school, or in neighborhood centers and at odd hours, rather than in distant offices once a week on given afternoons. Roots in the Community Successful programs deal with children as parts of families and families as parts of neighborhoods and communities. They work on the principle that strong families are the key to healthy children and that healthy communities strengthen families.
Most successful programs have deep roots in the community.
Rather, they are carefully integrated with specific local community needs and strengths so that local communities have a genuine sense of stewardship. Successful programs work, not alone with one generation, but with two and often three. They nurture parents so they can better nurture their children. They work relentlessly with parents in a problem-solving mode. The staff in successful programs have the time, skills, and support to build relationships of trust and respect with children and families.