New hires strengthen Family Access Network’s mission in Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Family Access Network (FAN) has welcomed Alex Fico as its new grants coordinator and Shelby Cala as its new outreach coordinator. These new team members will support the organization's expanding administrative needs and strengthen its mission to serve Central Oregon families.

Julie Lyche, FAN executive director, stated that the organization's administrative needs are expanding as its impact in the Central Oregon community grows. “As FAN's impact in the Central Oregon Community grows, so too do our organization's administrative needs,” Lyche said. “Alex and Shelby are committed to FAN's mission of providing assistance, possibility and hope to Central Oregon families in need and we are thrilled to be able to welcome them to our team.”

Fico joins FAN as the grants coordinator, with responsibilities including grant writing, board support and donor database management. Fico holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Virginia Tech. Her background includes non-profit and federal work, driven by a passion for supporting positive change in her community. She believes that children are central to building a more resilient and equitable future. In her free time, Fico enjoys backpacking, rockhounding, reading and spending time with her two cats.

Cala assumes the role of outreach coordinator, focusing on community building, marketing and communications. Cala earned a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of South Florida. She has worked in both the non-profit and public sectors since 2012. Cala plans to utilize her experience in fundraising, event planning and community outreach to benefit FAN and the Central Oregon community. She enjoys rockhounding, hiking and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family.

Family Access Network, which began in 1993, is unique to Central Oregon. The organization operates across Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, aiming to connect families with crucial resources. Its mission is to offer assistance, possibility and hope to Central Oregon families in need.

FAN employs 28 advocates who are placed at 66 sites throughout the three counties. This direct placement within schools allows FAN to effectively reach and connect children and families to essential resources. Annually, FAN advocates improve the lives of more than 7,600 children and family members.