By Charisse Daniels
Northside Early Childhood Zone

The Northside Early Childhood Zone recently hired a new Family Engagement Specialist (FES) to both recruit families who would like and need services and to serve as a liason to the broader community. Families exist within the context of their community and we at NECZ recognize that it takes a village to raise a child. Our new FES, Charisse Daniels, brings a wealth of experience in family resources, homeless street outreach and housing assistance as well as a passion for parent leadership and advocacy. Daniels’ talent, coupled with more than a decade of Parent Family and Community Engagement expertise, are truly aligned with the mission of NECZ.

What makes NECZ so unique, you may ask? Our partnerships. Northside families who are pregnant or have young children have access to free and voluntary home visiting programs such as Early Head Start, Early Childhood Initiatives and Welcome Baby. We also offer integrated services that support families in education and employment, housing case management and stability. Home visitors are matched with families based on their individual priorities and goals and support families in obtaining them. Parents are empowered in their special relationships with their child/ren and are offered ideas and activities to help their child grow. There is capacity to serve Spanish and Hmong speaking families. We are also able to serve children up to age 4. 

NECZ currently has openings and we encourage Northside families to call us at 608-467-3004 or email familyengagement@northsidemadison.org for more information or to schedule an intake. 

NECZ will also be hosting a block party on Friday, June 7, from 4–7pm at 2830 Dryden Drive. Stop by for free family fun featuring food, music, games, prizes, face painting, crafts and information about NECZ.