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Supported by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education
of the U.S. Department of Education
The Decker Family Development Center
Highlights
Introduction
Background
Combining Education, Work Skills, And Life Skills
The Decker Partnership
Partnership Challenges
Conclusion
Complete Profile (PDF, 845kb)
Return to Summary

HIGHLIGHTS

The Decker Family Development Center is a three-way partnership that provides adult education, work-readiness training, family literacy programs, and social and medical services to seriously at-risk families in a high-poverty area.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS IN BARBERTON. . .

The Decker Family Development Center is a partnership among:

  • The University of Akron, which employs early childhood instructors.

  • Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron, which employs social work, outreach, and medical staff and the Center director and provides supplies.

  • The Barberton City Schools, which provides space, employs adult education instructors, and serves as the main fiscal agent for the partnership.

AND WHY THEY WORK. . .

  • Partners have an integrated approach to services. Families with multiple problems need multiple services to become—and remain—self-sufficient.

  • Flexibility helps the partners meet an array of needs. All partners share responsibility for leadership, planning, and management.

  • Staff and leaders are "about kids and families." They are committed to their clients and go the extra mile to help them, even when funds are not readily available.