Family Enrichment Center
Who We Are
It all started with Marylou….
She was a foster parent for 34 years, fostering 100 children, providing kinship care for a nephew, and
adopting 13 children. She and her husband provided care for many years for children with very
intense needs.
Marylou Bax, founding director of the Family Enrichment Center
f
The Family Enrichment Center is a grassroots, community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening families and supporting caregivers at every stage of their journey. When support is hard to find, resources are limited, or help is needed quickly - our role is to step into those gaps with compassion, flexibility, and respect for each family's unique story.
Our Mission
We exist to fill the gaps of the child welfare system by providing training, support, mentoring and services to all families, with an emphasis on adoptive, foster and kinship families.
Our Vision
We envision a community where families are strengthened through collaboration, connection, and access to meaningful supports. By working alongside area agencies, individuals, and businesses, we seek to improve the quality of life for all families -- especially foster, adoptive, and kinship families -- so children can grow in safe, stable, and nurturing environments.
The Family Enrichment Center is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging.
We recognize that families experience child welfare systems, services, and community resources differently based on income, race, culture, language, ability, family structure, and life circumstances. Our work is grounded in respect for these differences and a commitment to reducing barriers to support.
We strive to:
-
Welcome families of all backgrounds and identities
-
Honor lived experiences and family strengths
-
Provide culturally responsive and trauma informed support
-
Ensure services are accessible, respectful, and family centered.