In celebrating the reopening of the country, The Center of Attention wanted to usher in this new era by promoting the reconnecting of families and friends in our community. We felt there was no better way to bring families and friends together than by implementing a program that fits the COA’s mission in promoting Family Engagement then our developing our 1st Annual Family Outreach Picnic.
Definition of “Family” in Family Engagement
Child and youth serving systems broadly define “family” in family engagement as including parents and other adult caregivers, acknowledging today’s family units and their needs for extended supports.
Some agencies have broadened this definition of family to include related and non-related members. As an example, transition-aged and foster youth work with their providers to identify and name their personal family system that includes peers, mentors, and service providers who they trust and can count on for support.
In doing so The Center of Attention partnered and sponsored one of Portland’s cornerstone family churches, Restoration Outreach Community Center’s and developed and organized “The Center of Attention’s Annual Family Outreach Picnic.
Our Annual Family Picnic is a time for families to come together and enjoy a day of fun in the park completely organized and underwritten by The Center of Attention.
The day's events include food, music, adult and kid games, arts and crafts, and team sports such as volleyball, baseball, football, and basketball. Face painting, a bouncing house, balloon toss, sack races are also fun activities for kids.