Photo caption: Left to Right: Eureka Teen Court Director, Raven Majors, CalFresh Coordinator, Michelle Pogue, CAPCC Chair, Jan Bramlett, Community Services Director, Amy Terrones, Youth Diversion Coordinator, Michelle Kaufmann, First 5 Coordinator, Piper Keener, Cal Poly Humboldt Intern, Caity Parson, and Community Health Worker, Brandy Bremer.

The Southern Humboldt Family Resource Center (SHFRC) has been awarded the 2026 Children First Award by the Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council (CAPCC) of Humboldt County. CAPCC recognizes organizations whose dedication to children’s well-being and family support goes above and beyond. 

SHFRC serves as a critical hub for families across Southern Humboldt, offering a wide range of support services designed to meet the community’s diverse needs. These services include food, clothing, diapers, playgroups, parent education and support groups, family enrichment programs, and drug and alcohol prevention programs for youth and teens. 

SHFRC’s programming is a lifeline for many families.

In a region increasingly impacted by low income, geographic isolation, and limited access to resources, SHFRC’s programming is a lifeline for many families. 

Director, Amy Terrones highlights the realities for many in the expansive Southern Humboldt area saying, “The Southern Humboldt Family Resource Center has a strong reputation as a place where all Southern Humboldt children, and their families, can get information and help.  We understand that all children and parents need help at some time but not everyone needs the same type of support, we offer a wide range of programs to serve the needs of our community. Our goal is for strong, healthy children and teens to live in strong, healthy families.”

In presenting the award, CAPCC Humboldt recognized the SHFRC for its community-embedded approach to serving children and families, noting that the SHFRC is operating largely under the radar of the community at large, yet consistently delivers transformative results. 

SHFRC’s services play a vital role in preventing child abuse and neglect by addressing the underlying stressors that can put families at risk. When parents have reliable access to essentials, it reduces financial strain and the pressure that can lead to crisis situations. Parent education, support groups, and playgroups help caregivers build strong social connections, learn positive parenting skills, and reduce the isolation that is especially common in rural communities. 

The SHFRC is comprised of a team of five women whose work has created a “safer community for our youth, a stronger sense of camaraderie amongst parents, and reduced stigma around participating in support programs.” Through a welcoming, community-based approach, families can access what they need, when they need it, without stigma or added barriers.

Southern Humboldt Family Resource Center is located on the Redway Elementary School campus and is open Monday-Friday throughout the school year, with some summer break programming available. Find a full list of services at /FRC or contact Director Amy Terrones at  frc@shchd.org, 707-923-1147 for more information. 

Chelsea Brown, submitted on behalf of the SoHum Health’s Outreach department.