BHN to Hold Ribbon Cutting, Open House for New Ware Family Resource Center

WARE — Behavioral Health Network Inc. (BHN) will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event for its Ware Family Resource Center on Friday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at 80 Main St. in Ware. The following day, on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon, the center will host an open house for families who would like a tour.

A brief program, including remarks from local and BHN officials, will precede the ribbon cutting on Sept. 24.

The new BHN Ware Family Resource Center provides free support and access to community resources for families and their children in Hampden and Hampshire counties. Center programming is designed to help children develop social and emotional skills, bring people together for mutual support, link families to services and community opportunities, respond to family crises, and value and support parents while strengthening parenting skills.

In addition to assisting families with finding resources, FRCs support families with youth who are at risk of needing court involvement because of their behavior. A main goal of FRCs is to serve as a diversion from the court system.

Families and community members are welcome to stop in to the center on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon to tour the facility and speak with staff about available resources and programs. Those who attend will be entered into a raffle.

The Family Resource Center is part of a statewide network of FRCs that help families and individuals resolve challenges, strengthen their bonds, connect to others, and engage in their communities. FRCs are supported through funding from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).