Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregiver Support Network

The Program

The Library’s Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Caregiver Support Network provides home-based care – in the caregiver or child’s home – from relatives, friends, neighbors, or babysitters and nannies. The FFN program provides access to resources, professional development opportunities, and individualized support to better serve under-resourced caregivers – like FFNs – many of whom are BIPOC women.

The FFN program offers workforce development for informal caregivers that includes opportunities for networking and forming social connections. We understand that there is no “one size fits all” approach to supporting informal caregivers, and the FFN program has a strong focus on removing barriers to access and participation.

The Need

In California, 80% of children age 0-2 and 40% of children age 0-5 are cared for by Family, Friends, and Neighbors (FFNs). In 2019, 31% of Black, 25% of Hispanic, 23% of Asian/Pacific Islander, and 23% of white children under age 6 were regularly in relative care in the U.S. Yet, FFNs are historically unacknowledged as early educators and unsupported as childcare providers.

In March of 2019, the San José City Council approved the “Family Friendly City” initiative. The Library was tasked with exploring and implementing opportunities to raise the quality of early learning environments for licensed exempt home childcare providers and FFNs.

The Impact

Now in its third year, the FFN Caregiver Support Network has created nearly 300 highly-qualified caregivers and has provided stable care and high-quality learning experiences for more than 800 children in San Jose.

Financial support provided by the San Jose Public Library Foundation ensures that FFNs have access to the latest technology, information, supplies, and professional networks that will support them in caring for children.

Slide 1

Shelley's Story

“I would like to use this program to assist with my grandson’s development as well as make connections with other families in the community with children the same age as my grandson. I am hoping that these connections and friendships continue with this program and others that the Library may identify as my grandson grows.”

– Shelley, who has 33 years of experience caring for children

89%

59+

55%

13

21

186

Completion rate

Participants enrolled

Program growth since previous year

Different languages spoken by participants

Zip codes of SJ represented

Children cared for by participants

Make A Donation

If you would like to make a gift to support this program, please visit the donate page on this website, select “Other” under “Where to Give” and indicate FFN in the space provided.

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