Relief Nursery Inc

Relief Nursery Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to providing comprehensive family support services with the aim of preventing child abuse and neglect. Founded over 40 years ago, the organization has evolved significantly since its inception.

History

In 1976, a group of community leaders, including Peggy Hoyt and the women of the Junior League of Eugene, along with Lynn Frohnmayer and Mary Ellen Eiler of Child Protective Services, came together to address the growing issue of child abuse and neglect in their community. They envisioned a preventive approach rather than reactively responding after abuse or neglect had occurred. Initially operating from borrowed church spaces, Relief Nursery started with a small group of children and gradually expanded as more families began to seek their services.

Under the leadership of John Sheppard, a successful capital campaign was conducted in 1993, leading to the establishment of a dedicated Relief Nursery building. Jean Phelps, who served as executive director for 22 years, played a pivotal role in transforming the nursery into a comprehensive child abuse prevention program. Relief Nursery was recognized in 2003 by the U.S. Office of Child Abuse and Neglect as an innovative model for its work.

Programs and Services

Relief Nursery provides a range of services designed to support families with young children experiencing high stress levels. These services include:

• Home Visits: Providing personalized support and guidance to families in their homes.
• Parenting Education and Support: Building parents' skills and confidence through educational workshops and support groups.
• Respite Child Care: Offering temporary, safe care for children while parents address personal needs.
• Crisis Support: Providing immediate assistance during times of crisis.
• Community Resource Referrals: Connecting families with local resources and services.
• Child Development Screenings: Conducting early developmental assessments to identify potential issues.
• Basic Needs Assistance: Helping families meet basic needs such as food and clothing.

All services are accessible to families with children from birth to five years old, with programs offered in both English and Spanish to cater to diverse family needs.

Impact

Relief Nursery serves more than 1,000 children and their families annually. The organization has achieved significant success, with over 93% of children involved showing no reports of abuse or neglect after participating in their programs. Initially, nearly half of the families they serve are involved with child protective services when they first connect with Relief Nursery, highlighting the effectiveness of their intervention strategies.

Expansion and Influence

The model established by Relief Nursery has inspired the creation of similar programs in thirty-one other Oregon communities. This multiplication underscores the efficacy and appeal of their family-centered approach to preventing child abuse.

Financial Overview

Relief Nursery relies heavily on charitable contributions for its operations, making it a well-supported community effort. In recent years, contributions have accounted for more than 90% of their total revenue. The organization maintains significant assets to ensure ongoing service delivery while managing liabilities effectively. Without relying on professional fundraising fees, the majority of expenses are directed toward salaries for service delivery staff.

The commitment of volunteers is essential to the organization's success, with nearly 200 hours of volunteer service required each week. Volunteers must undergo criminal background checks to ensure the safety and security of the families served.

In line with its mission to empower family strengths, Relief Nursery fosters a culture of respect for diversity, ensuring its services are inclusive and accessible to all families in need.