DIRECTOR
Connie Sowards
directorfsc@gmail.com
LOCATION
102 N 200 E
Cedar City, UT 84720
(435) 586-0791
Family Support Center of Southwestern Utah
The Family Support Center of Southwestern Utah serves children and families in central and southwestern Utah. Children visiting the Family Support Center enjoy a safe, nurturing environment. Caregivers have thorough background checks, are CPR certified and trained in trauma informed practices.
Services Offered
Nursery Services
With our Respite Childcare Services, our goal is to reduce parental stress, prevent child abuse and neglect, and give caregivers the space they need to stabilize and seek solutions. Whether you're overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply need a few hours to attend a court date, job interview, or medical appointment, our Nursery Services are here to support you with no judgment, just help. We generally offer three hours of free childcare per week per child.
When families face overwhelming situations. such as medical emergencies, housing instability, or mental health challenges. Our Crisis Childcare Services offer immediate, short-term childcare in a secure, licensed facility. Staffed by trained caregivers, our nursery provides a warm and developmentally supportive environment where children can safely play, rest, and thrive while caregivers address urgent issues. We operate with the highest safety standards and ensure each child receives compassionate, attentive care throughout their stay. For unplanned emergencies and crisis situations, we can provide overnight care for children for up to 72 hours.
Our Supervised Visitation Program provides a safe, neutral, and welcoming space for children to maintain relationships with non-custodial parents or guardians when court mandates monitored interaction. Each session is facilitated by a trained supervisor who ensures the physical and emotional safety of every child. We also facilitate visitation exchanges for children of all ages to provide a safe, controlled environment where a peaceful transition between parents or caregivers can occur.
Parental Education
We offer regular parenting classes that are open to the community at no charge. Free onsite childcare is provided during the classes.
About the Center
Meet the Director
Connie Furnival has spent the last ten years helping children and families throughout central and southwest Utah as the Executive Director of the Family Support Center of Southwestern Utah. As a leader of a non-profit organization, she is devoted to strengthening families, protecting children, and promoting healthy relationships. She received a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Southern Utah University, but her most valued experience comes from raising her eleven children.
History & Impact
The Family Support Center of Southwestern Utah was founded in 1989 as a non-profit organization with the goal of supporting families through hard situations and providing a safe place for children to thrive. We have free short-term childcare nurseries in both Iron and Sevier counties and provide supportive services to six neighboring counties in Utah.