The Centers partner with local leaders, businesses, and civic organizations, providing physical and virtual space with offerings that help individuals dream big dreams, make community and personal connections, and get the support most helpful to them. The approach is built around three key strategies: Community Leadership: Recruitment and support of community and parent leaders who co-design and co-facilitate FEC offerings. Parent Cafés: Parent-led discussions where participants share personal experiences and knowledge to identify ways to support one another. There are also café options for single people who may not play a parenting role. Cafés and printed materials are offered in multiple languages commonly spoken in the community.

It is shaped by Strengthening Families, a family protective factors approach created by the Center for the Study of Social Policy. The early success of the FECs has been mainly due to the dedication and resilience of community members who view the Center staff as their extended family and the FEC as their second home.

The Centers collaborate with community partners and agencies to bring in resources based on the desires of the community. This ensures that resources are within easy reach for all community members. Offerings change as the community’s interests change and the advisory group helps the staff make decisions. While feedback is asked for and recommended, there is no requirement that community members of an FEC pay a fee or give any personal or identifying information. Days and hours are based on community preference and confidentially is respected.