family stories



United Way / FamilyStories Workshops Expand Across the Country


"We are looking forward to the national expansion of United Way Family Workshops with FamilyStories," says PJ Mitchell, President of United Way Women's Leadership Council. For over five years, FamilyStories has provided programs in Maryland in a variety of institutional settings including domestic shelters, foster care programs, hospitals, orphanages, faith-based and youth and family organizations. "These workshops were created to empower families to learn, share, create and grow together," says Elise Lee, director of Maryland's United Way programs. "It is amazing to see how parents and children work with one another sharing thoughts and feelings in special ways. This strengthens family bonds."

Activities are created around seven major areas in the lives of families, including Everyday Moments, Special Memories, Seasonal Celebrations, Twists & Turns, Let's Discuss That, School & Learning, and Special Interests & Needs. Workshop materials encourage families to share and listen to ideas, stories and activities around specific subjects. They also build on the latest child development information related to health, education, and activity.

Organized in easy-to-use kits including a volunteer guide plus all the materials needed to complete a project, FamilyStories Workshops are ideal for Women's Leadership Council projects. They can be implemented monthly or on a customized local schedule. Recent workshops include New Year's Journal, Valentine's Day Card-Making, Mother's Day Planter, Father's Day Flag, Bedtime Adventures, Tooth Fairy Tales, Family Games, Family History, Book and Story Making, Frame Making, Halloween Party, Ornament Making, Self-Portrait Making.”

If you are interested in having a FamilyStories workshop e-mail us for more information.