Ardent Solutions Opens Family Resource Center on Main Street Wellsville

First Step Family Resource Center is located at 83 North Main Street, formerly Hamilton’s Shoe Store

by Andrew Harris

Since the pandemic, raising a family has become more difficult, trust me I have three kids under 12.

The cost of living has become a major challenge. Many families and students are still recovering from almost three years of uncertainty and economic flux. For many young families, some extra support and direction can make a huge difference.

The First Step Family Resource Center has recently opened in the former Hamilton’s Shoe Store building in the business district of Wellsville. I paid a visit to meet the ladies behind this much needed communinty service and learned more about what they are providing local families with.

Robin Fuller and Haleigh Golish are the team behind this new space and destination built for one simple reason: To help young families thrive. Picture a the young single mother without any strong family support system. Consider a young family who is burdened with the constant need for diapers and formula for the baby. Think of the new parents who are attempting to get kids ready to start grade school who need more interactions with future fellow students. Don’t forget about the maze of social services, nutritional programs, county and state agencies, and childcare options that many parents must navigate.

Checkout this slideshow of some recent events held at First Step:

First Step Family Resource Center acts as a one-stop service to help with all of these typical family challenges. Back to that single mother who isn’t lucky enough to have family support: Robin and Haley are ready to help. The family that simply can’t afford to keep up with the cost of diapers or baby formula: First Step Family Resource Center has a diaper distribution program through WNY Every Bottom Covered and can make formula available through donations received. What about children who were born during the pandemic and still lack for proper socialization skills? Robin and Haleigh have created some amazing play spaces, designed to teach kids and families the importance of play time for learning and social skills building. Have you ever signed up for SNAP, WIC, housing assistance, or disability benefits? That can be daunting and First Step Family Resource Center is ready to help walk families through that maze.

I only spent about twenty minutes at First Step Family Resource Center and saw Robin and Haleigh in action. A young family with newborn twins came in to sit down and discuss needs and options. An adorable toddler came in with her mom to participate in the diaper program. Someone stopped in to drop off a treasure trove of kids books and coloring books. Both Robin and Haleigh greeted those who entered First Step Family Resource Center with amazing enthusiasm, kindness, and a real dedication to the job at hand.

To connect with First Step Family Resource Center reach out to them online and on social media! The First Step Family Resource Center offers an array of weekly programs and activities. A monthly calendar can be found at www.ardentnetwork.org. The First Step Family Resource Center is a program of Ardent Solutions in collaboration with the Allegany County Early Childhood Coalition and financially sponsored by a grant from the Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WNY Blue Fund.