Family Design Resources

Family Design Resources, Inc. (FDR) is an innovative non-profit agency that offers training, consultation and program development to professionals serving children, youth and families. FDR was founded in 1999 in response to the critical needs of children and offers the combined expertise of more than 100 social service, education and legal professionals.

FDR's proactive approach has succeeded in developing strong public and private partnerships. FDR has collaborated with several school districts and non-profit agencies to provide diversity-related programs, which promote learning by raising personal awareness and offering opportunities for cross cultural communication.

The agency's Diversity and Shared Leadership Program is a research-based curriculum that helps its recipients to develop inclusive environments by identifying stages of stereotype development and techniques for interrupting the process. The focus is on the promotion of courageous conversations by reducing barriers, respecting differences and discussing practices that create division. The program further supports leadership by providing tools used to build a shared vision resulting in mutual respect and growth.

FDR believes that improving the lives of children and families through the elimination of bullying and victimization is consistent with the agency's core values. FDR staff are certified trainers and consultants for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, the most researched and best known program proven to prevent or reduce bullying behaviors throughout the school setting. In addition to consulting on the implementation of the Olweus Program, FDR can provide informational workshops on the dynamics of bullying to any audience.

FDR's programs and services can be implemented with a range of audiences, including educational institutions, corporations, and public and private agencies. For program information please contact Fawn Davies, Program Manager, at 717-558-1246 or by e-mail at info@familydesign.org. Visit online at www.familydesign.org

Three Rivers Adoption Council

Since 1979 Three Rivers Adoption Council (TRAC) has worked so that no child will have to face a life without permanency. TRAC was founded by adoptive parents and professionals and today provides recruitment, information and referral services, counseling, family preparation, post adoption services, and parent and professional education services, to achieve and maintain maximum permanency opportunities for children and their families.

TRAC is a multi-service agency serving children who cannot remain with their birth families and the resource families who provide these children permanence. More than half the children served are African American; many are older and/or part of a sibling group that needs to stay together; and others have emotional, physical, or mental disabilities. Most of these children have experienced multiple moves in the foster care system and high percentages have been victims of abuse and neglect. TRAC works with private and public agencies to implement cooperative, cost effective programs to meet the placement and post-placement needs of these children.

TRAC offices are located in Pittsburgh and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. To learn more about the services TRAC provides to families and children, contact Jennie Thye at 866-621-8722 or visit online at www.3riversadopt.org