Horseheads Family Resource Center

Help Local Families Learn, Connect & Thrive

The Horseheads Family Resource Center (HFRC) is a welcoming place where families with young children can play, learn, build friendships, and connect with the support they need—all at no cost.

Each year, HFRC serves more than 800 families and 1,400 children through free early childhood programs, family support, educational opportunities, and connections to community resources. With locations in Horseheads and at the Arnot Mall, as well as programs throughout the community, we work to make support accessible to families when and where they need it.

At HFRC, play is about much more than having fun. Our programs intentionally build the skills children need to succeed in school and beyond, including early literacy, language development, fine and gross motor skills, social-emotional development, independence, and healthy routines. At the same time, caregivers have access to knowledgeable staff who can answer questions, provide encouragement, and connect families with additional resources and services.

Your Donation Makes This Possible

Because of generous donors like you, HFRC can keep our programs free and accessible to families throughout our community. Your support helps us:

• Provide enriching early learning experiences to more than 1,400 local children
• Support more than 800 families each year with resources, referrals, education, and connection
• Offer popular programs like Music & Movement, Little Learners, Baby & Me Playtime, Park Rangers, and Little Chefs
• Put books directly into children's hands and incorporate literacy into our enrichment programs
• Help families navigate IEPs, 504 Plans, educational services, and community benefits through our Educational Advocacy Project
• Provide free summer meals and enrichment through our Summer Lunch Program
• Connect families with diapers and essential supplies through our partnership with the Twin Tiers Baby Bank
• Provide healthy snacks and practical nutrition education for children and caregivers
• Offer free car seat checks to help families keep children safe on the road
• Maintain welcoming spaces where caregivers can build relationships, reduce isolation, and know they are not alone in raising young children

Meeting Families Where They Are

The needs facing families continue to grow. Families come to HFRC with questions about speech and language development, behavior, school readiness, nutrition, special education, food insecurity, parenting, and accessing community services.

HFRC is uniquely positioned to respond because families don't need a diagnosis, referral, or complicated application to walk through our doors. Our programs are designed to be approachable, inclusive, and easy to access.

When a caregiver has concerns about their child's speech, our staff can help connect them with appropriate resources while programs like Music & Movement provide opportunities to practice communication and socialization. When a parent is overwhelmed by an IEP or 504 process, our Parent Advocate can help them understand their options and prepare for school meetings. When a family needs diapers, food, books, or other basic necessities, we can connect them with those resources.

Sometimes families come to HFRC simply because they need somewhere to belong—and that matters, too.

Your Gift Stays Local

Every gift to HFRC helps us continue providing programs and resources that families can access free of charge.

Your donation helps create a community where a parent can ask for help without judgment, a child can build skills through play, a family can find resources during a difficult time, and caregivers and children can form relationships that make them feel connected to their community.

Whether you give $10, $25, $50, $100, or more, you become part of the network of people helping local children and families thrive.

This FLX Gives, help us keep HFRC free, welcoming, and here for every family who needs us.

Who We Are

The Horseheads Family Resource Center provides inclusive, strength-based programs for young children and their families that increase school readiness, support informed parenting, and strengthen community relationships.

Through free play opportunities, early childhood enrichment, literacy, nutrition education, family advocacy, resource navigation, and community partnerships, HFRC gives families a place to learn, connect, and grow together.

Most importantly, families don't have to face the challenges of raising young children alone. At HFRC, there is always a place for them.