Family Place: Where families connect, learn and thrive!
We are located at
The Sanctuary at the Vashon United Methodist Church 17928 Vashon Highway.
(206) 348-3564 familyplace@vyfs.org
VYFS Family Place provides a wide range of parenting support services to Vashon families. From Playgroups to Parents as Teachers, a home visitation program that empowers parents and supports family well-being. Family Place is caring for Island families and having a substantial impact on their health, development and happiness.
All programs are free of charge.
Join us for
Open Play
Mondays 9:30am - 12 noon
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Tuesdays 10:00am - 11:30am
Parent and Caregiver Yoga with Nyn Grey
Thursdays 11:30am - 12:30pm
English Conversation, dinner provided
Wednesdays 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Vashon Dads Community Meetup, dinner provided
first and third Thursdays 7:30pm-9:00pm
April: (3rd cancelled), 17th May: 1st, 15th
Cena Familiar/ Family Dinner
last Tuesday of the month 6pm-8pm
April: 29th May: 27th
LGBTQIA+ Parent Community Meetup, Refreshments provided
at Orbit, 18870 103rd Ave. SW
every other Sunday 10am-11:30am
April: (6th cancelled), 20th May: 4th, 18th
Family Place Programs
PARENTS AS TEACHERS
FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM
Children come into this world ready to love and learn. Parents are their child’s first and most important teacher.
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, helping through the inevitable challenges of parenting, and supporting overall family well-being.
To learn more, please contact Mary Rose at marose@vyfs.org
“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 recipient
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN
A weekly, drop-in playgroup 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 time to connect with other adults. Free for everyone!
Drop in, Every Tuesday at 10am-11:30am at Family Place.
Parent and Caregiver Yoga with Nyn Grey
Come join us for Mindful Movement and tools for coregulation. Kids 5 and under welcome to play while parents practice on the mat.
Family Place, 17928 Vashon Highway
Thursdays, 11:30am-12:30pm
Vashon Motherhood Community
The Vashon Motherhood Community’s mission is to provide a safe space for anyone who identifies as a mother to come together and have time to focus on their own needs.
This community aims to create opportunities where mothers can express their emotions and feel seen, heard and understood. Additionally, it fosters strong relationships and creates a sense of belonging in the community. Register Here!
9:30am-11:00am every Monday starting April 7th.
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. Every Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm during the school year, and periodically during the summer.
Wednesdays, 5:30pm - 6:45pm dinner provided
DIAPERS & RESOURCES
Our Welcome Baby boxes give parents essential supplies for their new babies. The baby box includes various items to help you welcome baby to your home, along with parenting books and other resources. Contact us familyplace@vyfs.org to receive a Baby Box OR fill out this form https://form.jotform.com/233176149891061
Community Exchange Closet Some clothing, diapers and baby supplies are always available at Family Place, just ask.
Vashon Dads Community Meetup
Dinner and conversation on strengthening families topics.
First and third Thursdays 7:30-9:00pm dinner provided
LGBTQIA+ Parent Community Meetup
Join host Stephanie Mustopich, MA, LMFT and conversation, refreshments provided.
at ORBIT at Open Space 18870 103rd Ave SW
10am-11:30am every other Sunday of the month.
Family Place Staff
-
Mary Rose
FAMILY PLACE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Mary supervises the Parents as Teachers (PAT) home visiting program, which empowers parents' engagement with their children through the many stages of development, fostering attachment, learning through play, and support for parenting's many challenges. Mary has designed special services and programs for Vashon's Spanish-speaking community and ensures that all Family Place programs are accessible. Our Family Place team is especially committed to creating a warm welcome to all families with young children. Families can find concrete assistance, play groups, parenting classes and fun social events at Family Place.
-
Now Hiring
FAMILY PLACE PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Placeholder placeholder placeholder placeholder placeholder
-
Gwen Johannessen
PARENT CAFÉ COORDINATOR
Gwen, a mom of three, has worked within the public and private sector in Education and Self Development for the past 15 years. Gwen is passionate about empowering parents on their parenting journey. In her variety of roles and experiences she has always been a community builder and is excited to strengthen community groups on Vashon as the Parent Cafe coordinator at Family Place.
-
Jenni Smith
PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT) HOME VISITOR (SPANISH SPEAKING)
Jenni has had decades of experience caring for little children and babies in different capacities. She lived 2 years in Chile (where she learned Spanish) and returned to attend some university classes for her bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Jenni will continue to be involved in planning, implementing, and attending Family Place events and is excited for her new role as the Spanish Parents as Teacher Home Visitor.
-
Wenunah Lance
PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT) HOME VISITOR
Wenunah is a trained full-spectrum doula who has offered doula, perinatal and post-natal support and maternal mental health services through various networks in Whatcom County. Wenunah is currently completing classes in Indigenous Midwifery. Wenunah is also leading the Tuesday Kaleidoscope Play & Learn program.
-
Jen Rybine
PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT) HOME VISITOR
Jen is a lifelong learner, and brings strong interpersonal qualities and valuable lived experience, as well as exploration into childhood trauma, and attachment disruption and repair. In her youth, she worked as a nanny in Austria and a daycare center in Los Angeles, then went on to a 15 year long career in web and graphic design. She is excited to now be building and supporting community here on Vashon Island.
All services and resources at Family Place are Free, supported by Island donations.
Please donate today.
Scan the QR code to donate via PayPal.