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Capstone Factsheet

• We train, develop and nurture positive parenting skills for the purpose of realizing strong families, safe children and the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Berrien County.



• On an annual basis, we work directly with approximately 170 families comprised of roughly 300 children who are "at-risk" due to their circumstances.



• The Capstone Family/Parent Aides work one-on-one with families for a minimum of 2-4 hours per week to help them deal with and overcome their circumstance. It is a nationally recognized and respected model for service delivery and is endorsed by Healthy Families America, the National Exchange Club Foundation and others.



• Regular in-home visitations are the bedrock of the assistance to families as well as modeling positive parenting, parenting skills training and parent support groups.



• Participation with Capstone is totally voluntary; however, a signed contract and signed good faith service agreement between Capstone and the parents are required in working toward the goals that are mutually committed to.



• Family needs assessments are done with all families. Also provided are direct services, support, encouragement and training, which include community resources and referral information.



• We are working with families throughout all of Berrien County including Baroda, Benton Harbor, Bridgman, Berrien Springs, Buchanan, Coloma, Eau Claire, Galien, New Buffalo, Michiana, Grand Beach, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, Niles, St. Joseph, Stevensville, Three Oaks and Watervliet.



• Community leaders and county officials acknowledge the value of the Capstone Family Center programs to the community. Congressman Fred Upton, Sheriff Paul Bailey, Prosecuting Attorney James Cherry, Judge Thomas Nelson, the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce, the Coloma-Watervliet Chamber of Commerce, Chief County Health Officer Mike Mortimore, county administrator Bill Wolf, the school superintendents of Benton Harbor, Lakeshore and St. Joseph, State Senator Ron Jelinek, State Representative John Proos and others have put their endorsement on record through enthusiastic letters of support.



• Research has shown that, for every dollar spent on this type of prevention, approximately $50 is saved on crisis-oriented programming like foster care, protective services, special education, etc.