Established in 2000, the Peninsula Family Service Haven Child Development Center (CDC) in Menlo Park is a critical service for families as they work to attain permanent housing. Located onsite at a transitional housing shelter operated by LifeMoves, parents work or attend training and education programs knowing their child is in safe and caring hands.
The children at Haven receive interventions to overcome traumas associated with homelessness. Many children at the center have experienced domestic violence, family break-up, neglect, parental incarceration, and abuse. Because of these experiences, they are at high-risk for behavior issues, academic failure, medical and physical health conditions—as well as becoming homeless as an adult.
With full-time, high-quality, therapeutic early learning services provided at Haven, children gain the skills they need to be kindergarten ready. Small class sizes, low staff-to-child ratios, and specially designed environments provide children with the attention they need to thrive. An Occupational Therapist comes weekly to help children with fine motor skills and address developmental delays, while weekly Music Together classes provide music and dance therapy. A Family Engagement Coordinator connects parents to critical resources in the community, including employment, health, and legal services, while a Behavioral Health Therapist helps both children and families address higher level needs.
Thanks to a grant in January from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF, an advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Peninsula Family Service will expand the family engagement component to provide more resources for families to become stable and resilient. With the grant funds designated over two years for general operating support at Haven, the program will help more parents and children address the complex challenges of homelessness.
To learn more about our Corporate and Community Partners Program contact Deborah Miller, Vice President of Advancement, dmiller@peninsulafamilyservice.org or call 650.403.4300 x4412.
