September 14, 2006 CCP - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parallel Trends • Initial awareness of the program was low • Support for the program is strong and grows as more information becomes available • While the issue of a tax levy was not primary, affordability is a key matter • Recreation is of primary interest to families • Preference for casual indoor and outdoor swimming as well as a gym and weight room are very strong • Support for life long ]earning and whole family education is strong • Recreation as preference for indoor and outdoor swimming and casual recreation is very strong • Distance from the facility did not emerge as a strong concern already using the center Whole family and parent education, programs and services are of great importance to families Summary of Key Findings • The participants are generally very happy with and appreciative of the current programs they are participating in. • They were generally unaware of the Community Family Center project. • They are supportive and welcomed the idea of a new integrated center, yet some were hesitant that such a facility would become "too big", or could lose itself in trying to be all things to all people. • Access emerged as a strong issue. This may take on various, complex meanings for families and caregivers with multiple needs. • Time emerged as a key obstacle to participation. Time as an over all issue and the ability to organize time, as well as the availability of programs that would support people in their ability to organize time would increase access for all groups. • Programs that do not a require long -tern time commitment would be of great assistance. • Financial and emotional stress was presented as a major factor for families. Needs based scholarships and sliding fee scales should continue and be made easily available. Parents of children with special needs expressed a general lack of trust in program and services. • The availability of a community services coordinator and dependable respite will build trust with these parents and increase their program participation. • The need for support programs for siblings of children with special needs emerged as a strong theme when discussing future program participation. ■ There is a definite awareness among participants and parents of needs and services that could enhance available programming.