we are connected!

Connecting Families to Support

At the Coös Coalition, we believe that supporting families is a community effort. It truly takes a village to ensure that every child and caregiver receives the help and resources they need to thrive. Whether you are a family member, friend, neighbor, or service provider, you play a crucial role in connecting individuals to the support systems available in our community.

Why Referrals Matter:

• Early Intervention: Identifying and addressing challenges early can significantly improve outcomes for children and families. Caregiver well-being drives children’s well-being.
• Community Strength: By helping others, we strengthen the fabric of our community, creating a more supportive and resilient environment for everyone. Families often face long waits; community-based responses can provide support now.
• Shared Responsibility: We all have a role in supporting the well-being of our community members. Your referral can make a significant difference in someone’s life.​

How You Can Help:

• Refer a Family or Individual: Do you know a family or individual who could benefit from services? Make a referral today. Your connection could be the first step toward getting them the help they need.
• Spread the Word: Share information about our programs and services with your network. Let others know that support is available and how they can access it.
• Engage with Your Community: Attend community events, join local groups, and stay informed about available resources. The more connected we are, the more effectively we can support each other.
• Become an Advocate: Advocate for the needs of families and children in our community. Your voice can help raise awareness and drive positive change.

How to Make a Referral:

• Online Referral Form: Fill out our simple online referral form (below) with basic information about the person or family you are referring. We will follow up to offer support and services tailored to their needs.​​

Together, We Can Make a Difference

By working together, we can ensure that all families in the North Country have access to the support and resources they need. Your involvement and referrals are vital in helping us create a strong, connected, and supportive community. Thank you for being a part of this important effort.

​Let’s continue to lift each other—because it truly takes a village.

online referral form

Raising strong Families

Raising Strong Families (RSF) is a wraparound support model for families with multiple, complex needs. It centers family voice, builds protective factors, and coordinates help across community partners so families don’t have to retell their story or navigate systems alone.

Our Goal

By June 2027, we want more North Country families to feel stronger and less stressed—serving at least 50% more families than in 2024. For most families we work with, we see clear gains in three everyday areas: a trusted support network, confidence in parenting, and easier access to essentials like food, housing, and child care.

​How RSF helps

• One trusted navigator: A single point of contact who listens, plans with the family, and follows through.
• Warm, direct connections: Coordinated handoffs to the right partner (FRCs, pediatric/IECMH, ESS/SAU, benefits).
• Concrete supports: Help with immediate needs (e.g., food, housing, transportation, childcare) alongside child development and caregiver well-being.
• Family-led goals: Short, clear goals that reflect the family’s priorities; progress is reviewed together.
• Protective factors focus: Strengthens social connections, resilience, knowledge of child development, concrete supports, and caregiver competence.

​What RSF is doing now

• Scaling the model: Expanding RSF to additional North Country sites based on pilot results.
• Tight partner coordination: Aligning with Family Resource Centers, schools (ESS/SAUs), health/behavioral health, and community programs to enable faster, cleaner handoffs.
• Caregiver well-being linkages: Normalizing use of brief caregiver depression screens (when appropriate) and connecting caregivers to non-clinical supports.
• Family Leadership pathway: Inviting interested caregivers to join training/mentorship and advise program improvements.
• Simple data for improvement: Tracking family goals, time to first connection, and changes in protective factors to adapt supports quickly.