In This Report
Message from Michele
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
– African Proverb
At Cope Family Center, we often refer to ourselves as the “Cope family” – our staff, donors, and volunteers. It reflects the unique way that we approach challenges to support the community and helps to hold our mission at the core of everything we do. Though much has changed in our past fifty years, our mission is still inspired by the desire to help Napa County become a healthier, safe place for every child – and it’s still work that is only possible with your support.
With the challenges of the past few years, I’ve come to appreciate the Cope family more than ever. I am inspired by the way our team and supporters have come together to navigate a global pandemic, natural disasters, rising cost of living, and social injustices impacting Napa’s families.
Raising children is the most important and rewarding role a parent can have, but it can also be the most difficult, especially when combined with other challenging circumstances like these. Without support, a parent’s struggles can impact their children, with immediate and long-lasting effects on their health and well-being. With your help, Cope has served over 80,000 families since 1972, supporting them through tough times so their children can thrive.
As we move forward, Cope will continue to adapt and grow to meet the everchanging needs of children and families in our community, as we have always done. Our ability to be dynamic in this way is critical to the work of lifting up and strengthening families, especially during times of community crisis. We are only able to do that because of our dedicated supporters. It is your energy, goodwill, and belief in the importance of happy childhoods that keeps this vital work going.
Because of your dedication, families are empowered and able to get the support they need to give their children bright futures. Thank you for being part of their journey and part of Cope’s legacy.
Michele Grupe Executive Director 19 years at Cope
Raising a family in our community is not easy.
When families struggle, children suffer.
• 35% of households in Napa County have been negatively impacted financially by the pandemic. This puts more families and their children into precarious situations, one crisis away from disaster.
• Nearly 40% of families do not have enough income to meet their basic needs which means parents have to make hard decisions, choosing between shelter, food, medications, gas and other necessities.
• There are no child care spaces for over 75% of children in Napa County, placing many families in difficult situations trying to balance working and providing safe care for their children.
• Over 25% of students in 7th grade are experiencing depression-related feelings. Childhood adversity can have an immediate and long term mental health impact, including increased risk for self harm and suicide
• 26% of children are without secure parental employment. Seasonal and temporary work often puts families and their children at risk, and needing support to make ends meet until work resumes..