Grand County Family Support Center

The Grand County Family Support Center provides a Crisis/Respite Nursery for children, along with temporary emergency shelter care services. This program is supervised by Grand County and the Department of Child and Family Services. The purpose of the Family Support Center is to reduce and prevent the incidence of child abuse in Grand and San Juan counties by providing a 24-hour Crisis/Respite Nursery as a family support system.

Services Offered

Planned Respite

We give parents and caregivers well-deserved time to rest, renew, and return through free childcare for children ages 0-11. This service is specifically offered so parents can take breaks for: medical appointments, job interviews, educational tasks, therapy sessions, grocery shopping, and more. Self-care is a priority and encouraged!

Emergency Nursery Care

We provide up to 72 hours of free childcare for families in emergency situations where additional support is necessary and accessible. Real-life example: a mother was taken to the ER and did not have family nearby or available childcare — we provided emergency nursery care for her children during treatment and recovery.

Parent Education

We offer parenting classes throughout the year. Participants learn new skills and strategies to effectively manage child behavior and strengthen family relationships. “Parent Pathways” provides extended parent education through weekly opportunities for ongoing support.

Crisis Emergency Care

We are a temporary placement shelter for children who have been removed due to abuse and/or neglect. Our trauma-informed staff ensure children feel safe and loved during crises, helping families begin the healing process.

About the Center

Meet the Director

Julie Nieman was raised in an educationally centered home where learning was highly valued and as a result, she earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Utah State University. Prior to accepting the position as director of the Grand County Family Support Center, Julie was a middle school teacher for 22 years. She believes that an educator’s job responsibilities and managing a functional family support center share a common thread; to ensure all children are safeguarded, guided and loved.

Through personal experience, Julie understands the beautiful yet exhausting role of parenthood which drives her dedication to encourage and champion parents in their journey. Julie states, “‘It takes a village’ reflects the true success of our programming. The backbone of the GCFSC is our nurturing and competent staff who are fully committed to the well-being of caregivers and their families. The collective efforts of our community partners is a daily inspiration as we work together to support families through life’s challenges and triumphs.”

Julie feels fortunate for the opportunity to oversee the Grand County Family Support Center and further advance the special work accomplished. She has grown to love Moab and the natural beauty of the San Jaun and Grand County areas. In her leisure time, she enjoys exploring new places and cultures with her favorite super humans who exist in the form of a husband, four children, and 14 GRANDchildren.

History & Impact

Our Vision — We champion a steady balance for caregivers and parents - embracing the shared role to ensure all children are safeguarded & loved.

Our Mission — We are committed to providing supportive resources, education and services to strengthen families & protect children.