Future Generations Collaborative
Early Childhood Project
Background
In 2021, the FGC began a culturally-specific early childhood program – chaku manaqi łush – as a direct response to a need for culturally-attuned support and wrap-around services through the national Help Me Grow system. Our funding came to an end in June of 2024 and after many months of community advocacy work, our direct services within our early childhood program were able to continue through funding directly from Multnomah County.
Simultaneously, the FGC was awarded a 5-year grant through the Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV). As a result, we have been able to increase our workforce and expand our services for more robust, culturally specific and community-centered home visiting services which will begin in the Fall of 2025.
About the Projects
Multnomah County
Our ECP provides direct services to the Native community through playgroups, support circles, resource, referral, and information sharing, and much more. Families prenatal to age 7 are able to participate.
Please connect with our Project Co-Directors for more information on our playgroups and support circles.
Tribal MIECHV
The Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program was awarded to the FGC in July of 2024. With this grant, we will be able to create a home visiting program that is for community, by community. Our goal is to support the development of young children and families in our community through culturally-specific, trauma and healing-informed home visiting strategies.
ORCHWA
Kristen Bell has joined our team as our Community Education Worker (CHW-CEW), striving to decrease inequities in early childhood education and increase the success of children from infancy to school and beyond. As a CEW, Kristen will be working closely with families and providing culturally–centered and linguistically accessible services, relationship-building and advocacy, support navigation and engagement with schools, healthcare systems, governmental agencies and other decision-making bodies.
Birth to Five Literacy
Our Early Childhood Cultural Specialist addresses and promotes early literacy for children birth to 5 through:
- The creation of culturally-specific curricula and chinuk wawa language implementation in our ECP
- Story-telling materials for families and our ECP
- Trainings for caregivers on how to support early literacy and play-based learning
- Trainings for staff on how to support early literacy in early learners
- Implementing literacy, tribal languages throughout spaces where children are present (eg, classrooms, family gathering spaces, restrooms, etc)
- And the creation of a little free library at Barbie’s Village with culturally-specific books
Please connect with Raven Harmon and Chenoa Landry for training opportunities or more information on our Early Literacy project.
What We Offer
Playgroups
At our Caregiver & Child led playgroups we offer families a culturally safe and developmentally nurturing space to explore, create, build community, and directly connect with community providers such as FGC, NAYA, and WIC.
Playgroups are hosted on Tuesday evenings from 4:30pm-6:30pm and may rotate monthly. Please check our calendar for the most accurate information, or RSVP for playgroups here.
Support Circles
Our Caregiver Support Circles allow space for caregivers of young children to come together and discuss topics like parenting and regalia tips, caregiver wellness, and enjoy conversation with program staff, guest speakers, and other caregivers while participating in an at-home activity or learning opportunity.
Our Support Circle are currently paused for now as we grow and shape our future programming. Please contact the Project Co-Directors for more information on how to join.
Training Opportunities
For caregivers, community partners, and providers to support early literacy, culturally-specific parenting education, etc…
Contact us at (503) 313-5254 or through our interest form here to learn more and/or get connected!
Caregiver Wellness Nights
Once a month, our staff host a wellness night focused on the holistic wellness of parents and caregivers caring for young children, in person at Barbie’s Village.
Please inquire with our Project Co-Directors to RSVP – childcare is provided, along with a traditional meal, wellness activities, space for stories and songs, and more.