Because Children Don't Come with Instructions

All families are welcome.

We offer a variety of programs and services, including playgroups, home visits, Parent Cafes, a toy lending library, and Triple P positive parenting support.

Parents and caregivers can call, email, or drop in 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday – Saturday for information, resources, or support.

Our work is inspired by research showing the 90% of brain development occurs by age 5. Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers. Everyday nurturing interactions help children grow.

Since 1999, the Family Resource Center has provided information and support to parents and caregivers, at no cost and without referrals or income cutoffs. All families deserve support because parenting is hard and children don’t come with instructions!

What We Do

Our mission is to build on families’ strengths and foster a welcoming inclusive community that supports children’s well-being and caregiver connection, education, and empowerment.

Why We Do It

Our purpose is to welcome and empower all parents and caregivers by recognizing their strengths; by being supportive and non-judgmental; by offering high-quality free resources on parenting, family strengthening, and child development; and by providing opportunities to connect with each other and create community.

What We're Working Towards

Our vision is for every child to grow up in a nurturing family within a supportive community, and for every caregiver to feel confident, connected, and equipped with the knowledge and resources to help their child reach their full potential.

Meet the Team

FRC Staff

Jennifer Eddy, MD, Executive Director
Email: director@frcec.org

Deneshia Honadel, Parent Educator
Email: deneshia.honadel@frcec.org

Kait Bream, Parent Educator
Email: kait@frcec.org

Elizabeth McNabb, Playgroup Leader
Email: e.mcnabb@frcec.org

Elizabeth “Eli” Kramer, Data Specialist
Email: e.kramer@frcec.org

Roy Sargeant, MBA Grants Manager

Family Advisory Council

Since parents and caregivers are the experts on their own families, we receive monthly expert advice from our FAC. We are so grateful for their perspective and feedback on all we do!

Kylie Baumann, President
Sophia Pinno, VP
Kat Grey, Secretary
Violet Kilmurray
Bao Koss

Reach out to find out more about this exciting opportunity.

FRC Board of Directors

President: Ann Kaiser, AMK Consulting
Vice President: Mariam Nagi, Ph.D., UWEC Sociology
Treasurer: Christine McCorkle, Advisors for Change
Secretary: Sarah Hoffman, CV Babywearers
Annette Copa, Mayo Clinic Health System
Lori Miller, Occupational Therapist
Phil Recheck, UWEC Menard Center
Laurie Linkhammer
Kate McLean

Stay Connected

Join our email list to receive updates, newsletters, special event announcements, and more!
Read our current newsletter here.

Donate

Every parent in Eau Claire deserves a strong, supportive community. Your support helps us provide judgment-free resources, expert guidance, and meaningful connections so families can thrive.

Give today and be part of a future where every child grows up nurtured, and every parent feels confident and empowered.

Support the FRC →

Explore our Resources

Parenting comes with challenges, but no one should have to navigate them alone. At the FRC, families receive judgment-free resources and opportunities to build connections with other local families.

Learn More →

Does it cost anything to participate in a program or event?

All our services are offered free-of-charge and there are no qualifications for services and no referrals needed. The cost of our programming is covered by grant funding and charitable giving, from large organizations and individuals like you. We are a non-profit organization and your gifts may be tax-deductible.

Who can attend FRC events and use FRC programs?

All parents and caregivers are welcome at the FRC—no referral is needed, there is no income or geographic requirement, and there is no cost to families. Our programs are for every family!

Can I drop off my child?

No. Our playroom is a great place for children to explore, but parents and caregivers are always responsible for the children in their care. If childcare is provided as part of an event, parents are still responsible for toileting their children.

Do I have to sign up before I come in?

Yes and No.

Scheduled events such as Parent Cafés, Infant Massage, and Triple P Baby require pre-registration, as do Playgroups at the Oakwood Mall during the school year (9:30-10:45am Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) which occur in 6-week blocks that fill up quickly.

At all other times, families are welcome to drop by with their children, signing up beforehand or when they arrive.

Pre-registration is not required over the summer or for off-site playgroups.

How does clean-up work?

We ask parent/caregivers to help children clean up after themselves, age permitting. If your child uses a toy, please take care to put it back before you leave. Toys that have been mouthed or coughed on should be placed in our bin for staff to sterilize. Staff clean the bathroom, sweep/vacuum, and take out the trash every day.

Are you open only Monday-Saturday 9am-1pm?

These are the hours for our playroom and playgroups, but many programs are scheduled at other times. Parent Cafés, individual or group Triple P meetings with parents, and Family Advisory Committee meetings are just some of the events scheduled outside regular hours.

What are your policies for the Baby Pond?

The baby area is a protected area for infants and their parents. No shoes are allowed. Parents may allow an older sibling to join them in this area if there are no other families using it and the child removes their shoes. Otherwise, children who able to walk are not permitted.