About HFRC
Who We Are
A welcoming, free resource for families in and around Horseheads. Families can join playful learning hours, take part in enriching programs, and enjoy a safe place to grow together.
Mission
Always Fun, Always Free. We create welcoming environments and playful learning opportunities for families with children ages 0–18, focusing on connection, exploration, and community support.
Values
Safety First
We provide a safe, clean, and well-equipped environment where families can play, connect, and learn together with peace of mind.
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Respect for All
Everyone is welcome here. We celebrate diversity in every form: cultures, races, family structures, and abilities. Respect is at the heart of everything we do, and we treat every family and staff member with kindness and dignity.
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Empowering Families
We believe every family and child has unique strengths. We nurture those strengths to help families grow in confidence and connection.
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Learning Together
We support school readiness and lifelong learning. Families build language, motor skills, and social confidence through play, stories, and shared experiences. We also keep families connected to community activities, services, and resources to make life a little easier.
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Accessibility for Everyone
Our spaces are easy to reach by car or bus, and every family can join without financial or physical barriers. We make sure everyone has access to a space that feels like home.
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Your Support at Work
We use every donation, grant, and contribution wisely. Our board and staff stretch each dollar responsibly to create programs that truly meet the needs of our community.
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Our History
The Horseheads Family Resource Center opened in 2008 after a group of local citizens recognized a need for stronger support for young families in Chemung County. Leading the effort were Dan and Kathy Tarshus, whose vision shaped what HFRC would become.
“We focus on early childhood and the parent–child relationship. When families learn together, children arrive at school ready to thrive.”
Since then, HFRC has welcomed thousands of visits and supported hundreds of families with playful learning, enriching programs, and a warm, inclusive space made possible by local donors, businesses, and community partners.
What began with one welcoming space inside the First United Methodist Church has now grown to two locations, including our second site at the Arnot Mall. This expansion allows HFRC to reach even more families and offer greater flexibility for parents and caregivers.
Two Welcoming Spaces for Families
Our original home at the First United Methodist Church offers spacious indoor and outdoor areas for play and learning. Our second location inside the Arnot Mall provides a central, easily accessible space for families who live or work nearby.
Both locations are open to all and designed to make every family feel at home.
Community-Supported and Independent
HFRC remains an independent nonprofit sustained by the local philanthropic community, generous individuals and businesses, and parent donations. Our mission stays the same — to build strong families and connected neighborhoods.
At A Glance
11,560+
annual visits
1,970+
lunches served
100%
free for all families
Meet the people, see the impact.
Be Part of Our Story
Whether you visit, volunteer, or donate, your support helps families feel seen, supported, and empowered. Every hour, every dollar, every smile matters.