Family Place outlines therapy and wraparound services to Preston council

Cheryl Biddy, president and CEO of the Family Place, told the Preston City Council the nonprofit has provided family and child services in the region for 43 years and operates three locations serving residents in Preston and nearby communities.

Why it matters: The Family Place delivers therapy (accepting most insurance, with sliding scales and grants to avoid turning anyone away), parenting classes, equine therapy and a “Kids’ Place” crisis child‑care program for children ages 0–11. The organization seeks to ensure Preston residents know how to access services and discussed possible listing on the city website.

Presentation highlights Biddy said the organization accepts most insurance and provides sliding‑scale and grant support so families without resources can receive therapy. She described equine therapy offered in Logan and Lewiston and said the Kids’ Place provides crisis child care and periodic “date‑night” care at the Smithfield location. She also said the Family Place partners with CAPSA and other local nonprofits so services are coordinated rather than duplicated.

Council response Council members thanked the presenter, asked about funding sources and whether ecclesiastical referrals occur. Biddy said more than 60% of funding comes from state and federal grants, with foundations and donors as other sources; she said some ecclesiastical referrals occur for therapy and that bishops’ funds can subsidize fees.

Ending note: Council members asked staff to make Family Place materials available on the city website and thanked the nonprofit for its services.