CARE for Children, Bradford Library Unveil Parent Resource Center

Local parents, child care providers, and educators now have a consolidated venue to turn to for information on child development, parenting, and issues specific to children with delays and disabilities with the unveiling of the Parent Resource Center at the Bradford Area Public Library.

CARE for Children initially developed a collection of materials following a Children First Priority One grant that the agency received from the Kiwanis Club of Bradford in 2001. The number of resources has grown considerably over the years, with continued funding from the Kiwanis Club and the United Way of Bradford. Donations of books were also received by the March of Dimes, the Bradford Area School District and local individuals.

“CARE had all these great resources for parents but they were underutilized,” stated Tina Martin, Executive Director. “We decided to collaborate with the library, and Director Linda Newman graciously set aside a prominent space next to the circulation desk to house the collection. Jane Bowes volunteered her time preparing the materials for circulation, as well.”

Although many parents turn to the Internet for information they can be assured that the resources at the library are from reputable authorities. CARE has pledged to update the collection periodically to ensure the information is accurate and timely.

The United Way provided Community Innovations funding update and add to the collection as well as pay for the cost of marketing materials and supplies to prepare the books for circulation. Shembeda Carpeting donated a rug to pull the space together.

“The United Way is pleased to have contributed funding toward such an extensive collection of resource opportunities for the Bradford area,” said Kelly Case, United Way Executive Director. “Now the entire community will benefit from the materials specific to parenting and child development.”
“To bring these resources to the Bradford Area Public Library is a wonderful way for a parent with concerns for their child to get some information without feeling pressured,” said Michele McCann, past President of the Kiwanis Club. McCann assisted with the coordination of the project for the Kiwanis Club.

“This truly was a collaborative effort and we hope a valuable, useful addition to the library collection,” added Martin. “I also encourage parents, other local agencies, and businesses to donate child and parent resource books to the library.”

CARE for Children is a non-profit organization providing pediatric therapy, early childhood development, and community outreach services to children of all abilities in McKean County.

Pictured, from left, Linda Newman, Director of Bradford Area Public Library; Megan Mangini, Marketing and Community Relations Specialist, United Way of Bradford; Kelly Case, Executive Director, United Way of Bradford; Rick Benton, President, Kiwanis Club of Bradford; Michele McCann, Past President, Kiwanis Club of Bradford; Tina Martin, Executive Director, CARE for Children
Photo by Mandi Wilton Davis, Development & Marketing Coordinator, CARE for Children