The CAPE AREA FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER (CAFRC) was formed in 1995 as a result of task force work with the Community Caring Council.  The vision involved creating a neighborhood service center to co-locate a myriad of services available in Cape Girardeau but limited in accessibility (by lack of public and private transportation, lack of services within the neighborhood and lack of awareness about services already existing) to residents of the southeast quadrant of Cape Girardeau. 

The focus of the Family Resource Center is to improve the lives of children and families with a variety of educational, recreational and support services.  This is best accomplished by linking and coordinating available health and human services with under-served persons in the target community and addressing unmet needs.  Currently the center is providing a safe haven program for children through the After School Program and Summer Day Camp.  The center also provides weekly programming, meals and activities for seniors. 

THE FIELD EXPERIENCE FOR THE BSW CANDIDATE:

Assist with After-School Program:     

• Recruit, train and manage volunteers
• Seek donations from the community
• Assist with plannning &implementation of programming for After-School Program.

Network with other cooperative partners and organizations:

• Boys and Girls Club
• Cape Girardeau Public Library
• 4-H Club
• DARE
• Lutheran Family Services
• Community Caring Council

Implementation of casework.

Involvement with the Senior Ladies’ Group.

Grant writing opportunities.

Attend various agency-related meetings, e.g., Community Caring Council, FRC Board of Directors, Advisory Council Meetings.

Outreach to Community, Parents, Teachers and Schools.

The field experience at Family Resource Center will vary depending upon the needs of the agency at the time of the field placement.

WHAT STUDENTS SAY:  "The overall experience for me, at Cape Area Family Resource Center, was a positive learning experience.  I had an opportunity to experience cultures completely different from what I have lived around.  I couldn't have asked for a better staff to work with."

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"Overall I thought that my field agency was a good choice.  It helped me to open my eyes to things that I didn't know were true.  I felt that my agency and I were very compatible.  We both had the same mission.  I now think that it may sometimes be a better choice to find an agency that is close to home becasue you can sometimes do more good than you know."

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"This agency is not for the fainthearted.  You will work here and you will leave a part of your heart there.  From staff to participant, there is an air of community. Come ready to learn and you will be fulfilled."

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