About Family Tree Relief Nursery
Our History
Founded in February 2003, Family Tree Relief Nursery (FTRN) is a non-profit public benefit organization dedicated to supporting families and young children at risk of abuse or neglect. Our journey began as a charitable ministry of St. Anne Orthodox Church in Corvallis, where a dedicated group of volunteers, inspired by the successful model of the Relief Nursery in Eugene, sought to make a meaningful impact on their community.
The early leadership of FTRN was deeply rooted in the commitment of St. Anne church members, who not only served as initial staff but also contributed to the board of directors. Recognizing the need for broader expertise, we welcomed professionals from the community who shared our passion for uplifting underserved families.
Prior to the enrollment of our first families, our staff and volunteers engaged in the Relief Nursery replication training program in Eugene. This vital training equipped us with the knowledge of the Relief Nursery model, enabling us to raise seed funds from local residents and businesses, secure a significant start-up grant from the State of Oregon during a challenging budget year, and become affiliated with the Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries.
In April 2004, we proudly opened our first therapeutic classroom at the Albany Boys & Girls Club. Under the leadership of board member Fr. Stephen Soot as Executive Director, alongside Program Manager Alison Myers and Lead Teachers/Home Visitors Judy Greene and Rachel Jones, we began to implement our vision. The founding board members—Mona Soot, Randy Corpe, Heitho Reuter, Diane Aspengren, Alison Richards, Patti Daskalos, and Dr. Rose Miller—quickly recognized the transformative potential of early childhood education and home visiting for vulnerable families.
What We Do
Since its inception in 2004, Family Tree Relief Nursery has helped thousands of children and their families to stay together as a family unit. Family Tree Relief Nursery is the only private, nonprofit organization in the area that provides the following services:
As we established our first classroom, we welcomed additional passionate and dedicated community members to our staff and board, all united by the belief that healthy families and children are fundamental to thriving communities. They understood the pressing need, particularly in Linn County, to address the high rates of child maltreatment. The Relief Nursery model, with its rigorous quality assurance standards and impactful programs, was essential for creating positive change.
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our board and staff, FTRN quickly outgrew its initial space at the Boys & Girls Club and relocated to 1100 SE Jackson St. in Albany. This new facility allowed us to expand our services, offering Therapeutic Early Childhood Education to two age groups, along with Outreach and Respite services. In 2006, we took a significant step forward by hiring our first paid Executive Director, Renee Smith.
Over the past two decades, under the steadfast guidance of Renee Smith and our committed board and leadership teams, Family Tree has flourished. Today, we provide a diverse array of programs and services that support families with children of all ages. Our Therapeutic Early Childhood program operates across three locations in Linn County, complemented by Peer Support Services for families in Linn and Benton Counties, and Family Support Services in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties.
We remain dedicated to fostering resilience, strengthening families, and nurturing the potential of every child within our community. Family Tree Relief Nursery nurtures children and their parents, building a strong foundation for healthy, thriving families. We believe that healthy families are essential for a thriving community. Family Tree Relief Nursery envisions a community free from child abuse and neglect where families can grow and nurture their children to adulthood.
Home Visitation & Outreach
Depending on the Relief Nursery program, home visits may be a monthly parent-child activity with the child’s classroom teacher, two or three supervised visits weekly as children begin the transition back to their parents’ care, or intensive, short-term weekly or even daily in-home services through family preservation and strengthening activities. Home visitors help parents who are experiencing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of transportation to find resources and develop skills to keep their children safe, to become self-sufficient, and to build healthier relationships.
Alcohol & Drug Recovery Support
We understand parenting can be difficult. Our classes are free, offer transportation, meals, and childcare for children 0-12 (as space allows). Classes are multi-week, and registration is required. Typical courses offered are:
