The Team of staff and volunteers at Newbridge Family Resource Centre thought it was time we re-introduced ourselves.!
Our team members change from time to time. You will recognise most of us but there are a few new faces we thought you would like to see.
We are also offering telephone support and up to date information on our Facebook page (@NewbridgeFRC)
We are available via telephone or email.
Manager: Ellen Duggan : 087 6603084 ellen@newbridgefrc.ie
Reception: Eilish and Robert on 045 438173 or e-mail us at: admin@newbridgefrc.ie
Family Support & Community Development Workers:
Gráinne: 087 298 8818, gráinne@newbridgefrc.ie,
Glen: 087 9888655:, glens@newbridgefrc.ie
Preparing For Life Mentor : Susan: 086 4611333, susan@newbridgefrc.ie
Childcare Manager: Suzanne: 086 1748987, suzanne@newbridgefrc.ie
Our Board
The aim of the Family Resource Centre programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. Each Family Resource Centre operates autonomously, working inclusively with individuals, families, communities and both statutory and non statutory agencies.
Family Resource Centres are an integral part of the Child and Family Agency's Local Area Pathways model and act as a first step to community participation and social inclusion. The programme emphasises involving local communities in tackling the problems they face, and creating successful partnerships between voluntary and statutory agencies at community level. The Voluntary Board of Management plays a key role in the oversight and running of NFRC.
Voluntary Board of Management
Chairperson: Brian McQuaid
Secretary: Peggy O’Dwyer
Treasurer: Morgan McCabe
Directors:
Joseph Burke, Anne Murphy, Chris Pender, Fionnuala Neylon, Ester Crilly, Catherine Connolly, Peadar Kearney, Pauline McLoughlin, Derek O’Halloran,
Our Staff
The second element in the delivery of the Family Resource Centre model is the staff team. These are professional community workers, youth workers, counsellors and early childhood care practitioners who perform a crucial role in building the fabric of a vibrant and engaged community.
Ellen Duggan
Manager
I am Ellen Duggan, the new Manager of Newbridge Family Resource since March 30th 2020. Together with our team of community Development workers,childcare manage rand youth workers,we are fully committed to implementing the Strategic Plan, driving the growth in Community Development, Family Support programmes, Childcare and Therapeutic Services for the children, adults and families living in the Newbridge area.
If you want to chat or need any information please contact me on ellen@newbridgefrc.ie or phone me on 087 660 3084.
Carolyn McNeill
Accounts Administrator
"I started here in August 2017 as receptionist, and now I am the Accounts Administrator.
I have really enjoyed my time here at Newbridge FRC. When I am not in work I enjoy music, walking, photography and pilates."
Early Childhood Care Staff
Suzanne Connolly
“I am the Early Years Manager.
Should you have any queries or require any information on our preschool please feel free to contact me on 086 1748987 or email suzanne@newbridgefrc.ie.”
Pamela Gorman
Childcare Practitioner
“I am Pamela Gorman.
I work in the preschool here in the Newbridge Family Resource Centre.
I started working here in September 2006. I love the fun friendly atmosphere of the centre, especially with the little ones, they bring so much to the centre, everyday is different with them as they learn and grow.
When i'm not here, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy crafting and making things.”
Alannah Rawlins
Childcare Practitioner
"I have been working in childcare for over five years, I work in room 1 in the pre-school.
I enjoy working and interacting with the children and their families within our setting.
My hobbies that I enjoy in my spare time are walking and doing a range of different arts and crafts"
Shirley Bennett
Trainee Early Years Educator
“My name is Shirley Bennett, I am a local resident of Dara Park and I have lived here for most of my life.
I joined the wonderful team in the Resource Centre as a house keeper in September 2020. I really enjoy the work I do, as I feel like I am giving back to my community by working here in the centre which helps so many families in my area.
I am currently working alongside the team in the childcare setting to become a full time Early Years Educator.
Noelle Donoghue
Childcare Practitioner
" I have been working in the Centre in the preschool school room for the past 17 years.
I feel happy and fulfilled when I get to see the children's progression in the classroom and seeing them doing well many years later.
I love to go home and chill out, I enjoy walking my dog and aqua aerobics and meeting all the women, I also love interior decoration"
Amanda Williamson
Childcare Practitioner
"I have been working in Childcare since 2004 and started here at Newbridge FRC since 2015, which means I am now, 7 years with Newbridge Family Resource Centre.
I love the friendly atmosphere and interaction of everyone in the centre. I am interested in arts & crafts and DIY in the home.
I have recently started aqua aerobics and met a fun group of ladies. In my spare time I have volunteered for a couple of charity groups".
Gráinne Kearney
Family Support & Community Development Worker
I can be contacted on 087 2988818 or email me at grainne@newbridgefrc.ie
Glen Smith
Family Support & Community Development Worker
I have been part of the team here in the resource centre since April 2022, having grown up in Dara Park it was an honour to have the opportunity to come and work within the community. I returned to education in 2009 for a year, and again in 2017 when I received a cert in Addiction Studies from Maynooth. In 2019 I began an honours degree in Maynooth in Community Studies, where I found my passion for adult education and community development.
I can be contacted on 087 9888655 or by emailing me on glens@newbridgefrc.ie
Aisling Popoola
Preparing for Life Mentor / Home Visitor
My name is Aisling, I am the Preparing for Life Home Visiting Mentor.
I have the honour of meeting families in their home and supporting them with their parenting strategies. As a mother myself I can understand the pressure of raising and nurturing children, so no question or concern is an issue, it’s a process I can support you with.
I’d love to meet you and your family, and you can contact me if you wish to engage in any of these programmes on:
086 4611333
Our Volunteers…
Volunteers
The Newbridge Family Resource Centre has a dedicated group of volunteers who contribute greatly to the community by their tireless efforts.
Without our volunteers we would be unable to prosper and provide as many services.
Volunteers are accommodated in our Homework Club,Youth Club and Summer Camps.
To volunteer here with us please Contact Gráinne or Glen in our centre on 045-438173, or email them on gráinne@newbridgefrc.ie or glens@newbridgefrc.ie.