Often, parents walk into their children's schools and feel as if they don't have a place to "hang their hats." This guide argues that districts should establish a school family center as a focus of activity and learning for parents, school supporters, and children. The goal of the family center is to provide an avenue for participation in schools, thereby strengthening them. The guide begins with a definition of family centers and their purpose, and describes six focuses of family-community partnerships, including parenting skill development, communication between school and home, volunteerism, learning at home, decision making and advocacy, and community outreach. The guide continues with descriptions of the family center environment and the advantages of a family center. It suggests a committee development approach and provides ideas on specific tasks the committee should undertake, including choosing a location, funding options, equipment requirements, and staffing issues. The guide also addresses types of activities to offer and ways to maintain interest and participation in the center. The guide ends by covering how the family center should be evaluated, handling common problems, and key characteristics of successful family centers. Eight appendixes provide information on resources, partnership frameworks, family-school communication, parental participation, employer participation, creating a welcoming atmosphere, what families want to know, and family involvement. (SD)