By SARAH LEMON
Mail Tribune

A snack of grapes, a tender touch and stimulating play — it's the little things that can make a difference for 11-month-old Hannah Parker.

While Hannah's early development is the focus of a new therapeutic preschool, advocates' goal is to strengthen and preserve her entire family. The Family Nurturing Center officially opened Wednesday and is looking to enroll about 30 families like Hannah's that face barriers to raising healthy children.

"We are really a part of the total social service system," said Executive Director Mary-Curtis Gramley.

Some of the children already enrolled have parents transitioning out of drug treatment, Gramley said. The kids may have been taken into foster care, experienced abuse or neglect, witnessed domestic violence or lived in crippling poverty. The center aims to serve those children who have severe emotional, social and behavioral issues, Gramley said.

Instructors emphasize sensory experiences and developing language skills. Whether kids are sifting through the sand table, cooking up imaginary meals, dressing baby dolls, or looking at books, they are encouraged to verbally express their needs, said instructor Penny Farster-Narlesky.

"We work with them — with the issues they've experienced in the world," she said.

The nurturing center, at 945 S. Riverside Ave., also comprises a relief nursery, infant support group and family home visits. Although only children 6 weeks to 5 years are eligible for on-site services, older children in participating families will benefit from home visits and parent education, Gramley said.

The center is the ninth relief nursery in Oregon, funded in part by more than $300,000 approved by the Legislature over the next two years. About 25 percent of its overall budget comes through grants and donations, Gramley said. Services are free to participating families.

The program has its roots in Eugene, where 15 years ago a relief nursery first gave parents a place to leave their children for several hours when they needed time to themselves. Other communities opened similar sites with federal grant funding. When the state stepped in, the concept expanded to include a variety of services aimed at reducing conflicts and maintaining the family unit.

"The methamphetamine epidemic in the community has had a pretty devastating effect on families," Gramley said.

Respite care will be part of Medford's program starting in July, Gramley said. Offered four days a week, the service will be available from 1-5 p.m. for enrolled families.

Therapeutic preschool sessions are Mondays and Wednesdays for 1-year-olds, Thursdays and Fridays for 2-year-olds. Space constraints limit the preschool to 20 children, Gramley said.

The infant support group requires more parental involvement and meets for three hours one day a week, Gramley said. Parents of infants will receive more frequent home visits, she said.

The center is looking for qualified staff to serve families. For more information or to request services, call 789-3156.

Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail slemon@mailtribune.com.