Family Access Network expands to Crook County schools

An organization that over 23 years has provided support to thousands of families in Deschutes County has just expanded to Crook County.

The Family Access Network started in 1993. In 2015 alone, the foundation helped nearly 10,000 children and families in need in Deschutes County.

Now, with the expansion to two elementary schools in Prineville, they hope to help close to 500 more children and families.

“We break down barriers, so kids can get a good education,” Executive Director Julie Lyche said Wednesday.

“We know that kids who come to school hungry or who’ve slept in their car the night before do not care about that math test or being successful in school,” Lyche explained.

Currently, the foundation employs 25 advocates for 50 public schools in Deschutes County. Advocates work within each school, making their services readily available for children and parents.

Now, for the first time, advocates are available at two elementary schools in Prineville.

Vanessa Nolan can be reached at Crooked River Elementary from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. every day and can be reached at (541) 447-5189 ext. 333.

“Rather than going through all the resources in the community, they can come to one person, which is us, and then we provide those resources for them,” Nolan said. “We can also do certain things, like go and advocate for them if they’re both working.”

Lyche said the program had a “soft launch: at the end of last year. But now, they’re letting everyone know they’re there to serve Crook County, too.

“I’ve already had several parents coming right in, and they’re right there at that door at 8 o’clock in the morning, and we can help assist them right then and there.” Nolan said.

Shari Burke, the new Barnes Butte Elementary FAN advocate, can be reached from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. each school day at (541) 416-4150, ext. 3603.

Burke said this program is important to the children.

“To help the children, because when the children are successful,the community can be successful,” she said.

FAN provides everything from school supplies and hygiene products to food, shelter, a clothing closet and much more.

Nolan said during the winter, they need jackets, warmer clothing and better shoes for the conditions.

To learn more about or help FAN, visit their website: http://www.familyaccessnetwork.org/