Family Place

Family Place: where families connect, learn and thrive!

Our programs are bilingual and free of charge.

Family Place provides early childhood parenting support to families with young children, from prenatal to kindergarten.

Family Place fosters empowerment and resilience along the parenting journey via our unique programs: Parents as Teachers (PAT)home visiting program, developmental screenings, play & learn groups, enriching classes, family dinners and special events.

Children come into this world ready to love and learn.
Parents are their child’s first and most important teacher.

Family Place Programs

Parents as Teachers

Through our home visiting program, Parents as Teachers, we partner with parents to support their child’s growth and development. Twice-monthly visits focus on learning through play, understanding the stages of child development, supporting parents with the challenges of raising children and overall family well-being.
To learn more, please contact Family Place.

Email Us

Kaleidoscope Play
& Learn

A weekly, drop-in playgroup, at Family Place, for caregivers and children, ages birth to 5. Playgroups include free play time, art projects, structured movement or song time, stories, parent support/coaching, and a chance to connect with other adults.
Free for everyone!
Every Tuesday: 10am-11:30am

Vashon Motherhood Community

The Vashon Motherhood Community’s mission is to provide a safe space for moms to come together and focus on their own needs. This community aims to create opportunities where mothers can express their emotions, feel seen, heard and understood. This group fosters strong relationships and creates a sense of belonging in the community.
Every Monday: 9:30am-11:00am

Register Here

Vashon Dads Community Meetup

A place to build connections and be a part of a supportive laid-back group of Dads. Hosted by local Vashon Dad, Matthew Camardo.
Dinner provided. (English Speaking)
Second and fourth Mondays:
7:30-9:00pm
Held at Family Place Playroom: 17928 Vashon HWY SW

Respite Childcare

Family respite childcare is now available at Family Place for busy parents/caregivers who need a break!
Available by reservation:
Tuesday - Thursday: 1:30-5:00pm
Email us to reserve your spot!

Email Us

Baby & Resources

Welcome Baby Box
Got an island baby on the way? Our Welcome Baby program aims to give babies a safe start in life by providing a FREE gift of essential supplies and resources. Supplies include a sleep sack, washcloths, onesies, mittens, cap, parenting books, and more items from our Vashon community.
To receive a Baby Box click the button below to fill out
the request form.

Register for a Baby Box
Contact Us

Cena Familiar

​Monthly family dinners with peer-lead activities designed around the five protective factors.
For information, contact Mary Rose.

Email Mary Rose

Community Exchange Closet

​Some clothing, diapers and baby supplies are always available at Family Place.
Contact us to learn more.

Contact Us

First Time Parent Group

A 7-Week Series of learning & support for first-time parents. Make emotional connections, cultivate belonging, and foster positive parenting in a supportive group. Connect with Vashon's network of post-partum specialists in lactation, maternal health, sleep and more.
Winter Cohort starts:
Thurs, Jan 18th, ends Feb 26th.
Every Thursday 10-11:30am
Click the button below to save your spot for the next cohort!

Sign-Up Here

English Conversation

A relaxed forum for non-native English speakers to practice speaking English in a safe environment. Classes are structured around everyday topics with guided lessons and social time. Dinner provided.
For information, contact Mary Rose.

Email Mary Rose
  • "Wonderful conversation and group discussion topics. I love connecting with other moms. Everyone is so supportive. I'm learning a lot!"

    —Family Place Participant

  • “The Parents as Teachers program has been a life saver in many ways for my daughter and me. I’ve learned so much from my meetings covering everything from general care, child and self-health, age milestones, learning & play activities and emotional development. Diane pushes me to ask for help and utilize programs in our community, to take care of my own health and supports my journey through parenthood. There is always a new skill to learn in development and I'm very thankful to be part of Parents as Teachers”.

    — PAT program parent participant

Family Place provides all services free of charge—
made possible by grant funding and the heartfelt support of Island donors.

Please consider donating today via one of the options below. Every donation helps, however big or small.
Thank you for your generosity!

Click here to donate today

OR

Scan the QR code below

Contact us.

familyplace@vyfs.org
206-348-3564

We are located at:

The Sanctuary at
Vashon United Methodist Church
17928 Vashon Highway SW
Vashon, WA 98070

Family Place Staff

  • Mary Rose

    Family Place Program Director

  • Cindi Sahagun Hernandez

    Family Place Program Assistant

  • Gwen Johannessen

    Parent Café Coordinator

  • Jenni Smith

    Parents As Teachers (PAT) Home Visitor (Spanish Speaking)

  • Jen Rybine

    Parents As Teachers (PAT) Home Visitor

  • Cinnamon Winkler

    Parents As Teachers (PAT) Home Visitor