California Family Resource Association

The California Family Resource Association (CFRA) is a new statewide membership association of organizations and individuals that serve children and families. Our purpose is to advocate for the programs, policies and resources that help families and communities thrive and succeed. We also focus on building the capacity of our member organizations and linking them to one another. While CFRA was founded in 2005, our association has been five years in the making and brings to fruition a long-held vision to build an effective policy voice that can advocate for family-centered programs and policies. Efforts to form CFRA began in 2001 when philanthropy and community-based leaders came together to identify how best to assist the field of family-serving organizations in providing comprehensive, preventive approaches that support families and communities. A statewide Family Support Funders Group was formed to assess viable options and a Design Team emerged to develop an organizational plan. Through an extensive statewide process, more than 1,000 individuals provided input that was crucial to the formation of CFRA. Their hard work, dedication and vision are all reflected in the association that has been created , and is a vital part of what CFRA is today. The Foundation Consortium for California's Children & Youth also provided critical leadership and in-kind support to CFRA during its formation. While the Foundation Consortium has recently closed its doors after a remarkable 14 years of service, it has placed much of its vision for children and families , along with much of its seminal work (its publications, tools and materials) , in our hands. CFRA is honored to carry on the Consortium's rich legacy built on values of embracing the "whole" child, engaging everyone involved in finding solutions, being accountable for results, investing in smart approaches and celebrating champions. CFRA has operated under the independent direction of a diverse 17-member Board of Directors since March 2005. A professional staff manages our organizational operations supported by a growing number of funders. The heart of our organization is our members. Our doors opened to membership on January 1, 2006. We invite you to join us and help improve the lives of children, families and communities throughout California.