Guiding Principles

The SHFC Board of Directors and Staff have embraced four core principles that define the essence of our work.  As we develop programs, work with clients and confer with funders and partners, our goal is to make sure all of our efforts embody these core values:

Strength-Based

Help people realize their own abilities to navigate the challenges of life.  Rather than just helping to solve immediate problems, we help community members develop knowledge, understanding and coping mechanisms so they can better deal with everyday life while planning for a brighter future.

Preventative

Recognize and address life issues before they manifest into problems. When families are well-informed, have good communication skills and are confident in their ability to deal with everyday life, they can often head off issues that — if ignored — could evolve into major crises.  Our proactive approach helps families thrive.

Encompassing

Address all aspects of the challenges community members face – emotional, psychological, physical, as well as economic, cultural, educational and societal.  Families have complex needs and do not operate in a vacuum.  Therefore our approach is in-depth and insightful, and includes identifying how the work place, schools and other outside influences can play a positive role.

Nurturing

Assure that everyone feels supported as a part of an extended community family and, in turn, community members recognize their ability to care for each other. Connecting with one another is essential for both family and community success.  We often find that our clients become our best advocates and solid contributors to our community.

foot
St. Helena Family Center
1440 Spring St. St. Helena, CA 94574
info@sthelenafamilycenter.org office (707) 963-1919 fax (707) 963-2153