Ron Wood Family Resource Center
About Ron Wood Family Resource Center
At Ron Wood Family Resource Center, a parent can walk in for help with everyday problems and leave with something concrete, whether that means a class, a referral, food support, or a safer sleeping setup for a baby. The center serves Carson City families through free or low-cost services that meet people where they are. It also offers bilingual support, which matters when you are trying to make sense of a hard week and need help in plain language.
What sets Ron Wood apart is how many essential supports it keeps under one Carson City roof, from parenting education and emergency food to youth crisis help and foster youth transition services. That kind of range makes it easier for families to get connected without starting over somewhere else. Many services are free or low-cost, which keeps the door open.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Active Parenting – First Five Years
Parenting classes for parents of children ages 0 to 5 focused on bonding, positive behavior, age and stage development, parent self-care, and school readiness.
Cooperative Parenting through Divorce or Separation
Classes for parents who are divorcing or separated and want to reduce conflict, communicate better, and keep both parents active in a child's life.
Positive Action
A family communication program for children ages 6 to 11, youth ages 12 to 18, and their parents to practice respect, kindness, self-esteem, and stronger relationships.
Supervised Visitation
A safe, supervised setting for non-custodial parents to visit their children, available for Carson City District Court referrals only.
Community Essentials Emergency Food Bank
Emergency food distribution for families in crisis, with perishable and non-perishable food and hygiene items distributed free of charge when available.
Car seat safety, education, installation and inspection
Free education, installation help, and inspection for child safety seats, with reduced-cost seats sometimes available at car-seat events.
Cribs for Kids
Free cribs for babies ages 0 to 6 months, along with safe-sleep education.
Women, Infants, Children (WIC)
Nutrition support for low-income pregnant mothers and children up to age 5, including food benefits, education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals.
Family Engagement Program
Targeted case management for youth on probation, including referrals and intensive intervention to help youth and families complete probation conditions.
F.I.R.E. – Managing your emotions as a teen
A three-week program for middle and high school students focused on identifying thoughts and feelings, understanding behavior, and managing anger responses.
I.G.N.I.T.E.
An elementary school-aged youth program that teaches children to identify anger signs and triggers, practice coping skills, and manage emotional regulation with parent participation.
Juvenile Delinquency and Truancy Prevention
Coordinated support with the school district and juvenile services to address attendance, substance abuse, academic performance, and probation conditions.
Reach Up: Help for youth in crisis
Psychoeducational counseling and support groups for youth facing suicidal thoughts, grief, behavioral issues, and other life challenges.
Foster and former foster youth Independent Living Program (CHAFEE/FAFFY)
Life skills, learning and training opportunities, financial assistance, and preparation for post-secondary education, career development, and employment for foster and former foster youth.
FASTT (Forensic Assessment Services Triage Team)
Counseling and support connections for people with mental health disorders and substance abuse needs after incarceration.
Education, training and referral
Education, training, information, and referral support delivered through the center's social workers and family advocates.
Advocacy and case management
Advocacy, emergency assistance, information, referrals, and support services for families.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Create a lasting, community-wide cooperative effort between the private sector and governmental agencies to promote healthy family relationships through education and support services.
Who they serve
Families, parents, children, youth, foster youth, pregnant women, and low-income households in Carson City and surrounding areas.
Their impact
- The Center provides 8,000 to 9,000 units of service to the local community each month.
How your donation helps
- Free or low-cost family services
- Community Essentials Emergency Food Bank supplies and hygiene items
- Toys for Tots donations
- Parenting classes and referral support
Our story
Ron Wood Family Resource Center began in April 1995 as the Ron Wood Project. It was inspired by Ron Wood, a respected juvenile justice professional who wanted to establish a truancy center. As leaders saw that truancy often pointed to deeper family needs, the project grew into a family resource center through community effort and collaboration with local businesses, community-based organizations, and government agencies.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Ron Wood Family Resource Center’s services.
People can call, visit the center, or use the referral form to start the process. Staff help identify realistic options, and many services are free. Some programs require appointments, referrals, or specific eligibility, such as picture ID and proof of residency for the food bank or a probation referral for targeted youth services.
In their words
Valeri Bianchi-Wood: "Seeing his name all over town keeps his memory alive."
"It brings joy to my life to help others less fortunate get back on their feet," Linda Allen said.
"I believe in giving back to my community," Stan Jones said.
Events
Ron Wood Family Resource Center Awards Night
An awards night fundraiser honoring heroes and raising hope.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Ron Wood Family Resource Center has shared.
Current needs
- Non-perishable food
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Laundry soap
- Diapers
- Toys for Tots donations October through December
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What do I need to use the Community Essentials Emergency Food Bank?
Bring picture ID and proof of residency. Food and hygiene items are provided free of charge when available.
How do car seat safety services work?
Call to make an appointment for free education, installation help, and inspection. Reduced-cost seats may also be available at car-seat events.
Are services free?
Many services are free. Some are low-cost, and some vary depending on the service request.
Is language help available?
Yes. The center has bilingual staff fluent in Spanish and English, and WIC language assistance is available upon request.
Similar nonprofits
Other crime prevention nonprofits in NV.