What they call their work
What they do
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Play-Based Early Childhood Education 2 activities
- Offer hands-on developmental programming for childrenProvides structured, hands-on activities focused on early literacy, fine-motor skills, early math and science, and sensory exploration through weekly themed sessions, cooking activities, music and movement, and outdoor nature play. Programs are designed to support whole-child development across cognitive, physical, and social domains.
- Operate free play-and-learn programs for young children and familiesProvides free drop-in play-and-learn sessions at two locations—Arnot Mall and First United Methodist Church—offering open play, hands-on activities, and family support for children ages 0–5. Programs include scheduled sessions on multiple days each week and are designed to support early childhood development and family community connection.
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Child Safety Seat and Safe Sleep Support 1 activity
- Conduct car seat safety checksProvides free car seat safety checks by certified technicians, including installation verification, harness adjustments, education on age/height/weight-appropriate seats, and assistance transferring seats between vehicles.
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Community Resource Navigation and Support Services 1 activity
- Connect families with community resources and referralsProvides family connection opportunities, referrals, and access to community resources as part of inclusive, strength-based family support programming.
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Child & Youth Meal Programs 1 activity
- Deliver seasonal Summer Lunch & Play programProvides free nutritious lunches and playful activities for children and families each weekday during summer break (July 6 to August 28, 2026), operating as a seasonal program at accessible community locations. Offers on-site dining and food pickup options in a supportive environment that encourages family connection and community engagement.
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Diaper and Baby Supply Distribution 1 activity
- Distribute baby essentials and diapers through Baby Bank partnershipDistributes diapers, wipes, clothing, and other donated baby essentials monthly through a partnership with Twin Tiers Baby Bank, with pickup available at the HFRC Mall Community Room on the second Wednesday of each month. Services are available to registered families.
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Children's Book Distribution Programs 1 activity
- Distribute books and produce to childrenDistributed 533 free books and free produce to 395 children as part of family support and enrichment initiatives.
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Sensory-Inclusive Programming and Support 1 activity
- Provide family support spaces with accessible amenitiesOperates two family-friendly locations equipped with stroller-friendly entrances, safe changing stations, private feeding rooms, on-site restrooms, snack areas, and quiet or sensory rooms to support the practical and emotional needs of families during visits.
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Parenting Education and Support Programs 1 activity
- Provide parenting education and support workshopsOffers drop-in parent education sessions and coaching in a supportive environment covering child development, behavior, and family well-being. Programs aim to build confident and informed parenting through practical guidance and peer connection.
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Who runs it
- ANN LEVANTOVICH — DIRECTOR
- BILL BRODGINSKI — DIRECTOR
- BOB AIELLO — DIRECTOR
- DON KEDDELL — DIRECTOR
- JENNIFER SCZEPANSKI — DIRECTOR
- LARRY CRANDELL — DIRECTOR
Who they work with
- CTRAN Partner — Public transit provider with route 9 stopping near program locations.
- CTran Partner — Public transit provider whose Route 9 bus serves both program locations, with stops at Arnot Mall Entrance 4 and church location upon request.
- First United Methodist Church Partner — Hosts one of the two HFRC playroom and gym locations.
- HORSEHEADS FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER INC Network — Hosts the Parent Education Program as part of its family support services.
- Twin Tiers Baby Bank Partner — Partner organization providing diapers and baby supplies distributed through HFRC's pick-up site.
- Twin Tiers Baby Bank Partner — Partner organization providing diapers, wipes, and baby essentials distributed through HFRC
- Williams Auto Group Partner — Sponsor of the free car seat safety check program, enabling no-cost access for families.
- businesses Partner — Local businesses support HFRC through sponsorship.
- foundations Partner — Foundations support HFRC through funding and sponsorship.
- organizations Partner — Local organizations partner with HFRC to sustain free family services.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Family Co-Participation and Shared Discoverymethodology: co_participation_modelBy designing programs that actively involve caregivers in play, nature exploration, and hands-on learning alongside children, the organization strengthens family bonds and supports development because shared experiences deepen engagement and model responsive interaction.
- Low-Barrier, Play-Based Access Modelmethodology: low_barrier_accessBy offering free, drop-in, and open-access programming in welcoming, play-based environments, the organization increases family engagement because removing financial, logistical, and social barriers allows all families to participate at their own pace and comfort level.
- Peer and Trauma-Informed Caregiver Supportmethodology: trauma_informed_engagementBy providing peer-informed, non-judgmental group settings and allowing self-directed engagement, the organization supports caregiver well-being and reduces isolation because this approach prioritizes emotional safety, shared experience, and autonomy in participation.
- Play-Based Developmental Learningmethodology: play_based_learning_environmentBy integrating open-ended play, rhythm, repetition, and child-led exploration into learning activities, the organization supports early childhood development because these methods align with natural developmental processes and build confidence through joyful participation.
- Strength-Based Family Engagementmethodology: strength_based_programmingBy focusing on family strengths rather than deficits, the organization builds family capacity and school readiness because this approach fosters confidence, agency, and sustained participation.