Affiliate Awards Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to general questions concerning the Family Strengthening Awards and the Affiliate of the Year Awards.

What is family strengthening?

Family strengthening means ensuring that parents have the necessary opportunities, relationships, networks, and supports to raise their children successfully, which includes involving parents as decisions-makers in how their communities meet family needs. Factors that help strengthen families include opportunities to work, earn a decent living, and build assets; social networks that help isolated families link with friends and neighbors as well as social, civic, and faith institutions; and accessible and responsive public services, such as good health care, decent schools, and fair and effective law enforcement. The NCLR /Annie E. Casey Foundation Family Strengthening Awards Program (FSA) presents awards on an annual basis to five NCLR affiliates whose exemplary work in the Hispanic community has made a measurable impact in strengthening Latino families. As we know, the family holds a cherished place in Hispanic culture. Latinos invest time, energy, and money into securing the American dream for their families. NCLR’s network of affiliate organizations plays a key role in providing these families with the tools and resources they need to take advantage of the opportunities that this nation has to offer.

How can my organization apply for the Family Strengthening Awards?

NCLR grants the Family Strengthening Awards on an annual basis. NCLR affiliate organizations must satisfy the following criteria to be eligible for an award: · Membership in the NCLR Affiliate Network for a minimum of three years · Current in dues payments and recertification documents · Ability to provide quantitative and qualitative results over time for nominated program Please click on the Affiliate Awards web page to access the FSA nomination materials and forms.

What types of trainings are available from FSA winners? How can I request a training session with an FSA winner?

FSA winners are available to give trainings onsite at their winning program location or travel within their affiliate region to provide trainings. Please note that winners will not travel outside of their affiliate region to provide trainings. Affiliates that run programs similar to an FSA-winning program or who are interested in replicating an FSA-winning program for their own organization are encouraged to contact Georgina Scarlata at NCLR to request a training session. 2004 Winning Programs: Avenida Guadalupe Association (Texas) – The Housing Counseling Assistance Program provides credit counseling, downpayment assistance, and homeownership training courses to Latino families in San Antonio, helping them to purchase their own homes. United Migrant Opportunity Services (Midwest) – The Latina Resource Center offers comprehensive services for Latina women and their children suffering from domestic abuse. CASA of Maryland (East Coast) – The Center for Employment and Training offers ESL courses, job training, employment placement, and workshops on labor rights to Hispanics in the Takoma Park community, helping workers gain meaningful employment. Mi Casa Resource Center for Women (Far West) - CASA Start is a school-based substance abuse and violence prevention program that serves at-risk Hispanic youth and families. Para los Niños (California) – The Brighter Futures program provides a variety of center-based and in-home services to at-risk families in the Los Angeles area, allowing parents to become more able caregivers for their children.

Does my organization have to compensate the FSA winner for a training session?

No. One of the responsibilities associated with the Family Strengthening Awards is the willingness of the winning program to provide trainings free of charge to members of the NCLR Affiliate Network.

How can I request family strengthening best practices materials from NCLR?

NCLR has published a booklet entitled Strengthening Latino Families: Best Practices from the 2004 Family Strengthening Award Winners. Please contact Georgina Scarlata at NCLR to request a copy of the booklet, or download a copy from the Affiliate Awards web page.

back

All Content © 2008 NCLR. All Rights Reserved