THREE RIVERS – Serving children ages six and under, the Friends of the Palmer Monson Family Network aim to teach basic needs, provide social interaction and preparedness before entering grade school.

Located in Three Rivers, the Friends of the Palmer Monson Family Network is just one branch of a larger company known as Collaborative for Educational Services (CES). CES is a nonprofit educational service agency that works to advance and foster knowledge of all ages through partnership and leadership.

Rosie Marquis, director of Friends of the Palmer Monson Family Network, took over the role in July, after the former director left. While she is still adjusting to her new position, Marquis shared some of her main tasks. “I put together playgroups to get families involved,” she said. Marquis noted that the learning environment is a safe space for children to prepare for kindergarten and making the transition from being at home. She went on to say that they work closely with local libraries.

During the summer, Marquis said they meet once a week and will host a lot of outdoor playgroups, often at different playgrounds. Additionally, the group will go on a variety of field trips, including a recent trip to Baxter’s Berry Farm in Monson.

During the school year, the playgroup meets on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 4 Springfield St. in Three Rivers. The space is equipped with toys that alternate often, stories and songs, all designed to fit the targeted age group. Marquis noted that they occasionally go on field trips during the school year as well, such as visiting a local fire station where the children wash the trucks.

While Marquis focuses on children ages six and under, CES serves people beyond this range.

She continued, “[Our group] primarily serves Palmer and Monson, and surrounding towns as well,” such as Brimfield and Wilbraham, to name a few. “[There is] no limit to who we serve.”

As a stay-at-home mom, Marquis said she started taking her oldest child to the playgroup years ago and hasn’t stopped since. Through this, Marquis shared that she has been able to make friends and most importantly, so have her children.

When she learned about the former director leaving, Marquis thought this was a perfect role to step into. Since taking over, she said that “things have been running well.”

The playgroup is free to attend, and no preregistration is required. “Drop in whenever,” said Marquis. Typically, each playgroup lasts anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours.

As this is a nonprofit organization, Marquis said families are more than welcome to make donations. Donations may include a toy or snacks that can be enjoyed during a playgroup session.

She added that they also operate a year-round clothing exchange which is open to anyone. The clothing bins can be found at the Springfield Street location, with a variety of sizes and items to choose from or swap. Donations are accepted for the clothing exchange.

Some of their additional programs include Parent Child+, a free early learning and literacy program for children between 16 months and three years of age and their parents; parenting puzzle workshops; ages and stages questionnaires, along with baby welcome bags. “Anyone who is expecting or just had a child is eligible to either pick up - or I can deliver - a baby welcome bag with a few gifts,” said Marquis. To receive a baby bag, contact Marquis at marquis@collaborative.org.

Marquis went on to mention “PAC” which is a group of parents who come together monthly to make decisions on programming at the network. She said that all are welcome to attend.
For additional information on CES, visit https://www.collaborative.org/.

To learn more about the Friends of the Palmer Monson Family Network, visit https://www.collaborative.org/programs/early-childhood/parentchild-programs/family-centers-and-playgroups/palmermonson-family or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/palmermonsonfamilynetwork.