The Family Life Program assists families with the challenges of their child’s health journey.
The Family Life Program’s Pillars
Trauma-Informed Care
Recognizes and honors the unique backgrounds of families under intense stress.
Alleviates stressors where possible.
Family Support
Offers non-clinical emotional support through one-on-one meetings.
Communicates with hospital social workers to understand ongoing support needs.
L.I.F.E Classes
Provides informational and support group sessions on various issues, including financial management, parenting skills, and self-care.
Facilitates weekly support groups led by social workers for caregivers to share experiences.
Staff Support
Regularly educates and trains staff on topics like grief, conflict management, and emotional intelligence to better support families.
Health and Wellness
Promotes physical and mental well-being through YMCA memberships, haircuts, yoga lessons, and other activities.
Family Programs/Activities
Organizes events to bring families together for creative and restful breaks, celebrating significant moments like holidays.
Child Enrichment and Education
Provides volunteer tutors and temporary school enrollment for long-stay children to ensure academic growth and normalcy.
Resource Center
Connects families with local resources for financial, educational, and transportation assistance, bridging the gap between the House and their home communities.
Family Life Center is located on the 1st Floor of the House
Open 8am-5pm for Guest Families
Visit the Family Life Center
The Family Life Center is staffed by the Director of Family Life, Programs & Activities Manager, Family Life Coordinator, and Social Work student interns. Reasons for families to visit include:
- Visiting the Toy Store once per week for one free toy per child, including siblings (8a – 5p)
- Initial Meet and Greet and to receive your Welcome Bag
- Acquiring immediate resources for during your stay
- Enrolling your child in school during your extended stay, if desired
- Creating a House-to-Home transition plan
- Collecting tickets to local events when available
- Addressing any needs or concerns during your stay
- Applying for policy exceptions
Family Activities
Family Activities are provided each week by volunteers, typically on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Check out the House TV Screens for this week’s activities. Activities may include:
- Arts and Crafts Night – drawing, paper art, jewelry, mosaics, painting, quilting, crochet, knitting, scrapbooking, sculpture demonstrations, welcome/”no sew” blankets and much more!
- Cake Decorating/Birthday Club – cupcakes, themed cakes for holidays, etc.
- Game Night – Bingo, beginner card games, Family Favorites (Monopoly, Scrabble, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland)
- Holiday Themed Events – Parties, arts and crafts nights, game night
- Ice Cream Social – Sundae bar, make your own ice cream, frozen yogurt
- Sports themed parties – Super Bowl, Iron Bowl/Superbowl, etc.
- Magicians and Magic Shows
Additional Programming is provided throughout the year
- Financial counseling/budgeting
- Self care – yoga, meditation, relaxation, laughter therapy and more!
- Stress Management Skills workshop
- Mobile Market
- Hand in Paw – twice monthly animal-assisted therapy at the House
- Field Trips – Railroad Park, Birmingham Zoo, McWane Science Center, Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham Baron’s Games, Birmingham Children’s Theater
- Pamper Sessions (including haircuts)
Questions?
If you can’t find the information you need, please reach out to our Family Life team!
Survey
If you have benefited from the Family Life Center, we’d love to hear from you!
