Our speaker for May 10 - Geoff Schneider & Carol Castanon

Geoff Schneider and Carol Castanon gave a presentation about the resources offered by the Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center.  The Center is a non profit organization that focuses on families during the prenatal to three year old stages.  Geoff is on the Board of Directors and Carol is the Director of the Center.

Nan Tolbert was a nurse in Ojai who saw a need to help single mothers.  She created a small network of various professionals to whom she could refer people.  After her death in 2006, her friends decided to continue the work that Nan had started.  So, in 2007, the Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center was created.

The Center is based on the premise that children learn the basics that form the foundation for the rest of their lives during their early years.  As such, the interaction between parent and child during this time is extremely important.  Parents often find it helpful to have a place that offers information and support during this time.

The Center offers classes, play groups, support groups, and counseling to parents.  It addresses pre and post-natal care, family health and wellness, early childhood development, and parent education.

The Center serves expecting parents, single parents, grandparents, gay families, and special needs families.  Although they are located in Ojai, they serve people from all over Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Santa Barbara County.  The Center works with an average of 60 to 70 families a week.

The Center’s funding comes largely from donations and grants, although they do receive a small amount from the First Five Tobacco Tax.  Some of their programs are donation based, some are fee based.  In any case, they try not to turn anyone away.

For more information, you can visit the Center’s website at www.birthresource.org.

Thank you Geoff and Carol for providing such an important service.

Deborah A. Perkins