Watertown Family Connections urges continued city support as it marks three decades of service

Stephanie Curtis, executive director of Watertown Family Connections, told the Watertown Common Council on April 21 that the organization has grown from a church-basement program in 1993 into a library-based Family Resource Center serving hundreds of families each year.

Curtis, speaking during Family Strengthening Month, described a 31-year arc of services that include early childhood programs, parent education, outreach and resource navigation. "Connection is not a luxury, it's a lifeline," Curtis said, citing program survey results she presented to the council: 85% of participating families say they feel less isolated, 90% report greater confidence as parents and 100% would recommend the program.

Curtis said the center is unique nationally for being located inside a public library and noted that another Family Resource Center will visit Watertown in June to study the model. She asked the council to continue partnerships and to consider sustainable funding, saying city support has helped thousands of local families find stable services over three decades.

During a short question-and-answer period, Alderperson Lampy thanked Curtis for highlighting city services and asked about co-location and referral work. Curtis explained that Watertown Family Connections partners with the Community Action Coalition, Crossroads Rental Assistance and other local organizations to provide warm handoffs for families in need and offers limited assistance—such as scanning applications—for those without digital access.

The council gave the presentation sustained applause. No formal action or funding decision was taken at the meeting; Curtis said she would be available for follow-up questions and invited council members to visit the program.