It's a place for parents to learn a new skill, tackle a problem or hardship, or just enjoy a cup of coffee and a few quiet minutes.

It's a way to bridge Wareham families and their schools, with the end result, administrators hope, ultimately being an increase in students' test scores and achievement.

The grant-funded Parent Resource Center opened its doors at Wareham Middle School this school year, in the Office of Beyond School Time.

"The percentage of students who are not doing well on the MCAS, it's because of the social-emotional needs of the family," explains Jane Fondulis, Director of Beyond School Time, noting that research says, "when you meet the social-emotional needs of the family, the scores will go up."

Beyond School Time covers exactly what one might expect — the time before and after school that ultimately affects how the child performs in school.

Since it opened in September, the Resource Center has hosted numerous "Parent Cafes," covering topics such as couponing and financial literacy, and hosting family yoga, scrapbooking sessions, and other fun activities.

The Resource Center organized the district's annual coat drive, and has helped dozens of families — both adults and children — get warm outerwear for this year's treacherous winter.

"We're finding that the needs are varied," Maureen Manning, Coordinator of Beyond School Time and Family Engagement, said of the parents who stop by.

Fondulis adds: "Sometimes, you're just talking to the parent," and lending them an ear.

Sometimes parents need help, whether it's with something outside of school or with helping their children succeed in school. But oftentimes, Fondulis explains, parents are embarrassed or afraid to ask for help.

Perhaps a parent didn't have the best experience while in school. Perhaps English is not his or her native language. Perhaps a parent is simply too proud to ask for help.

Fondulis and Manning want to break those barriers.

The cozy office features a couch with comfy pillows, chairs, a coffee machine, and toys and games for students and younger siblings when they stop by with mom or dad.

"Here, it's a small, intimate setting where you can start to build relationships," Manning said.

That way, parents can be connected to the resources they need — whether it's help with food or finances, or helping their kid with homework.

"Studies show, that statistically, if you get all the different parts in sync and working," that is, families are getting everything they need, and are engaged in a child's school and learning, Fondulis explained, "you're going to see scores go up."

"We want a seamless piece between day school and beyond school time," Manning said. "We're already seeing the benefits."

Coming up at the Parent Resource Center are Parent Cafes on couponing, scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and "Mosaic Madness," on Thursday, March 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All Parent Cafes are free of charge. The Parent Resource Center can be entered through door 22 of the middle school, which faces Wareham High.

Because the Parent Resource Center receives a mix of state and federal grants, making sure it can continue operating will be tricky, but Fondulis says she's optimistic.

"Anytime a program relies on grants, there is always that possibility grants being eliminated or cut," explained Fondulis. "At this time, we are continuously seeking out new grant opportunities."

For more information about the Parent Resource Center or to register for a Parent Cafe, e-mail beyondschooltime@wareham.k12.ma.us, or call 508-291-3550, ext. 6129.

"If we can help a few families," Fondulis says, "we've succeeded."

"That's right," said Manning.