After serving young children and their families in 23 Central Vermont towns for 37 years, the Family Center is in the process of raising $2.6 million to build its first permanent home. Ten acres, an existing building on Sherwood Drive in Montpelier, and an Early Childhood Building yet to be built will become our new homesites. Lee Lauber, Executive Director says, "The theme for our Capital Campaign is 'Building Together for Families.' That is exactly what the National Life Group Charitable Foundation is doing by contributing. They recognize the importance of the Family Center's first permanent home as a vital improvement to the infrastructure of Central Vermont. We are very grateful for National Life's support."

Here is what makes the non-profit Family Center such an important part of our community:

• Our 15 separate programs, many encompassing prevention and wellness, serve approximately 4,000 individuals each year. Our new facility will double the number of spaces for infant and toddler care, the most needed type of child care.
• The Family Center offers a sliding scale so that all families, regardless of income, can receive quality child care. Quality early education is an equalizer. When families move out of poverty, children's futures brighten.
• We help parents find and pay for child care and offer parent education, playgroups and wrap around services to teen parents. Families at risk or with children with special needs receive home visits from our staff.

The Family Center's mission is to foster the positive growth and development of young children and their families. It helps families navigate the challenges of raising young children and contributes to the success of Vermont's schools. Please contact www.fcwcvt.org or 262-3292 for more information, to volunteer or to make a donation.