Horseheads Family Resource Center
Who We Are
HFRC is a free play-and-learn home base for families. We create welcoming spaces, playful programs, and practical support so caregivers feel less alone and children can thrive through the early years.
WHAT WE DO
Support for families, week by week
HFRC makes it easier for families to get out of the house, find community, and give children meaningful early experiences through play, routine, and connection.
Always free. Two welcoming locations. Community-supported.
Two locations
Arnot Mall & First United Methodist Church
100% free
Programs and visits
1560+
Annual visits
1970+
Lunches served
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Spaces that feel like a home base
Welcoming play spaces where families can settle in, explore, and take breaks when needed.
🎈
Programs that help children learn and grow
Playful activities that support early learning, movement, curiosity, and confidence through hands-on experience.
❤️
Support for caregivers and community connection
A place to meet other families, access resources, and feel less alone in the early years.
OUR STORY
Rooted in our community
HFRC began in 2008 when two local parents, Chris Buzzetti and Jessica Embree, saw a need for a welcoming space where families could connect and children could thrive. What started as a small, community-driven effort has grown into a resource used by thousands of families each year.
Today, HFRC offers free programming, play spaces, and family support across two locations, built around the belief that families are stronger when they have community around them.
2008
HFRC is founded to create connection and support for families in the Horseheads community.
Growth
Programs expand, partnerships grow, and the space becomes a consistent home base for local families.
Today
Two welcoming locations, free programs, and community support designed for the early years and beyond.
OUR MISSION & VISION
What guides our work
We support families and caregivers by creating free, welcoming places to spend time together, meet others, and feel more supported in the early years. Through play spaces, programs, and practical resources, we help strengthen child and family well-being and make it easier for families to access community without cost becoming a barrier.
We want a community where every family can find the support they need, right when they need it, and where every child has the chance to thrive in a place that feels safe, inclusive, and welcoming. That means reducing barriers, building connection, and growing a network of care that helps families feel seen, supported, and not alone.
OUR VALUES
What we stand for, and how we show up
Safety first
Spaces and programs that feel secure, welcoming, and supportive for every family.
Respect for all
Inclusive support that meets families where they are and honors different needs and experiences.
Empowering families
Resources and relationships that help caregivers feel more confident and connected.
Learning together
Playful programs that help children grow through exploration, repetition, and shared experience.
Accessible to everyone
Always free, designed to reduce barriers and make support easy to reach.
Your support at work
Community support keeps HFRC independent and makes programming possible for local families.
Two welcoming locations
Each location offers a slightly different experience. Both are designed to feel easy to visit and supportive for families.
Arnot Mall Playroom
Playroom spaces for everyday drop-in play
Bright play zones and flexible pacing, a great fit for first-time visits and open play days.
Easy parking
Stroller friendly
Open play zones
Church Playroom & Gym
Playroom plus gym space for active play
A welcoming playroom plus gym space, a great fit for active play and movement-friendly programs.
Easy parking
Stroller friendly
Gym for movement