STEPS, Inc., a participant in Virginia's Whole Family Approach Pilot Program, are presenting a number of special events for its clients this fall and winter. On October 22nd, they treated families to a day of Family
Engagement at the Chesterfield Berry Farm,
where families got to explore the alien corn maze, the sunflower and pumpkin
patches, play games and engage in all kinds of fun activities, and enjoy hayrides.
Also in October, STEPS, Inc. Whole Family Program and Head Start hosted a Trunk or Treat event in Farmville. At this event they partnered with a local Applebee’s to host a safe community event that was extended to not only STEPS’ families but to the entire community. In addition to STEPS' families, other agencies and organizations participated, including Longwood University students, Applebee’s staff and family members, and the Farmville Police Department. The Trunk or Treat event also featured face painting, music, and games. Whole Family continues to encourage family engagement where parents spend time interacting with their children in a positive manner with other parents and children.
The Whole Family program will be hosting a Family Movie Night in November as well. Families will get to spend time watching a drive-in-style, kid-friendly family movie while enjoying popcorn and pizza. Whole Family has also partnered with Head Start to host a Breakfast with Santa on December 9th at a local Applebee’s that is open to all community members. Families will be able to have a photo taken with Santa and enjoy Christmas activities. While the everyone in the community who attends will receive a discount on a family, Whole Family and Head Start participants will get an extra special price of $5 per person for their meals.
Finally, STEPS’ Whole Family will be partnering with Hampden-Sydney College for the third consecutive year for a gift giving program. Students and staff will "adopt" families of the Whole Family program by donating gifts to each household. Hampden-Sydney College has been a valued partner when it comes to making sure that every individual in the Whole Family program has a great Christmas! Donations will be provided to families in mid-December.
Also in October, STEPS, Inc. Whole Family Program and Head Start hosted a Trunk or Treat event in Farmville. At this event they partnered with a local Applebee’s to host a safe community event that was extended to not only STEPS’ families but to the entire community. In addition to STEPS' families, other agencies and organizations participated, including Longwood University students, Applebee’s staff and family members, and the Farmville Police Department. The Trunk or Treat event also featured face painting, music, and games. Whole Family continues to encourage family engagement where parents spend time interacting with their children in a positive manner with other parents and children.
The Whole Family program will be hosting a Family Movie Night in November as well. Families will get to spend time watching a drive-in-style, kid-friendly family movie while enjoying popcorn and pizza. Whole Family has also partnered with Head Start to host a Breakfast with Santa on December 9th at a local Applebee’s that is open to all community members. Families will be able to have a photo taken with Santa and enjoy Christmas activities. While the everyone in the community who attends will receive a discount on a family, Whole Family and Head Start participants will get an extra special price of $5 per person for their meals.
Finally, STEPS’ Whole Family will be partnering with Hampden-Sydney College for the third consecutive year for a gift giving program. Students and staff will "adopt" families of the Whole Family program by donating gifts to each household. Hampden-Sydney College has been a valued partner when it comes to making sure that every individual in the Whole Family program has a great Christmas! Donations will be provided to families in mid-December.