One FRC program resumes

Although the Alleghany County Family Resource Center (FRC) as a whole remains closed, one of its key programs resumes this week.

"Building Blocks for Tots," a developmental play group for preschoolers and their parents, will be offered again at the FRC in Sparta beginning Friday and in Piney Creek starting Monday (Sept. 8).

The FRC has been closed since July 1 due to uncertainty with the state budget. The center's $75,000 annual budget comes entirely from state funds, and some proposals have included eliminating state funding for family resource centers.

Some of the money for the Building Blocks program, however, comes under a different classification. As Ellen Wright, interim director of the Alleghany Partnership for Children, the lead agency for the FRC, explained, "That program is funded by Smart Start, so it's a different pot of money....We have half a year's budget in place, enough to get it up and going."

FRC Director Sarah Woodie commented, "We're pleased that we're able to start the program, that we're able to provide a needed service for parents and preschoolers."

Meanwhile, Wright said, "Things are still up in the air as far as the funding and full programming at this time."

At present, the partnership does not have plans to re-open the FRC. "We wanted to try to open Sept. 16, but we're already hearing at the state level that there's still another delay in the budget," she said

Officials are investigating other funding avenues. Wright said some federal funding might be available through the 4B2 Safe and Stable Families Act. However, that funding would be administered through the state. "The last we heard we couldn't get it until the state budget is finalized." The FRC is also submitting grant proposals. "We're continuing to work on grant opportunities so that we can provide families and children with services," said Woodie.

"We hope to know something soon."

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