The program is targeted at families grossing 8K to 25K annually living in one of our partnering States. Families selected will be referred by our community partner organization in their area. We ask that the primary parent or parents participating in the program be employed. The income bracket is based on minimum wage annual income standards up to 25K annually.

Major Model Family Annual Initiatives

January: National Mentor Month - Model Families kicks off each year in January and raises the awareness of "Family to Family" mentorship

May/June: National Family Month - During this period especially, Model Families hopes to promote the following throughout the communities we serve: Building Trust, Showing Family Commitment, Communication, Grow Through Crises, Spend Time Together, Have Fun as a Family, Show Love and Affection
• Build Trust
  Strong families build trusting relations by following through with promises.


• Show Commitment
  Strong families feel like a team. They share traditions like having a family picnic on the Fourth of July or taking walks together after dinner. Family members show commitment to the family by making time for family events and making sacrifices for one another.


• Communicate
  Members of strong families talk to one another about important decisions and daily plans. They discuss feelings as well as day-to-day activities at school or work. When there are conflicts, strong families take time to cool down before responding. They don't bottle up their anger or let it get out of hand. They talk about possible solutions to problems and work together to carry out the best solution.


• Grow Through Crises
  All families experience crises. Strong families use these experiences to learn and grow. They know even bad experiences can bring about good changes and help them to become closer. They admit problems instead of hiding them. They seek help when needed.


• Spend Time Together
  Strong families spend time together, talking, reading, playing games, taking walks, cooking. Some special times involve closeness, like reading a good-night story and tucking children into bed with a kiss.


• Have Fun as a Family
  Strong families know that having fun is important and make plans to have fun together. They plan family trips or parties. Strong families know that laughter is important and use humor to help reduce stress. Family members laugh with one another, not at one another.


• Show Love and Affection
  No matter what children say or do, they need to know that their parents love them. Strong families show caring in many ways. Family members say to each other, "I love you" or "I'm happy we're in this family together." They give hugs and show affection in other small ways. They may call each other nicknames and enjoy remembering family stories.

June: "Kites for Kids": Annual corporate and community collaborative support initiative promoting long-sustaining, healthy, outdoor activities for youth and families

July: Annual Seattle Family Kite Festival - Completion of program year and celebration of Seattle and surrounding areas youth and families, paying special attention to the needs that impact single parents and dis-advantage families.