We are here to help improve the lives of people in our community through education, partnerships, and collaboration.
About Us
The Ritchie County FRN was established February 27th, 1992. We were one of the first five in the state to be established. Over the years, our programming may have changed, but out overall mission has not. We want to help families to become strong, healthy and self-sustaining. We do this by trying to help fill service gaps in the community. In the past, the FRN helped work with other groups to get Ritchie Regional Health Center started in the county. Many years ago, we helped get a day care started. Some of our current projects include the Personal Care Pantry, Substance Abuse Prevention and Child Abuse Prevention. We do our best to evolve our programs to reflect the current needs in the county. The Ritchie County FRN is a 501C3 that is a funded primarily through a grant from WV Department of Health and Human Resources. A second smaller grant comes from WV Children’s Trust Fund, the Claude Benedum Worthington Foundation and WV Department of Health and Human Resources which is used for Child Abuse Prevention efforts' is through collaboration with many service providers in and around Ritchie County that we are able to offer the services we do.
History of FRN’s
In the beginning there were no FRNs…
The Governor’s Cabinet on Children and Families was created in 1990 so that policies and service delivery systems would complement one another. The Cabinet was granted unusual powers in that it could waive state regulations seen as barriers to deliver effective services and could shift funds among programs in order to improve services. In August of 1990, Florette Angel (Founder and President of the Children’s Policy Institute of West Virginia) was working late – at the same time the West Virginia State Legislature was meeting in special session. A section of a bill, related to the establishment of the Governor’s Cabinet on Children and Families, regarding the inter-relationships among community based service systems and public education was being designed. Florette worked with the House Committee staff to refine this section of the legislation and to explore ways in which local communities could plan an active role in the envisioned changes throughout the service delivery system. The concept of a Family Resource Network (FRN) was born, to assure that local communities would have a significant role to play and services would be provided as close to the community as possible.
The Cabinet supported the establishment of FRNs because of the need for:
- Multi-purpose local partners working with state government.
- Engaging diverse stakeholders in implementing policy decisions at the local level.
- Involving local folks that are closer to local needs and local solutions.
- A way to work with local communities whenever a new federal or state initiative is implemented.
- A forum for civic engagement and problem solving.
The Cabinet defined a Family Resource Network (FRN) as:
- A non-profit community-based organization.
- A local forum for cross-system deliberation, planning, and problem solving.
- A local infrastructure that supports priority setting, planning, community engagement, and collaborative initiatives.
- Concerned citizens working together to make their community a better place to live.
The first five FRN grants were issued in 1992 to the following:
- Monroe County Coalition for Children and Families
- Ohio County Family Resource Network
- Mercer County – The Family Connection
- Ritchie County Family Resource Network
- Regional Family Resource Network of Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam Counties
As of January 1, 1995, Family Resource Networks were active in over two-thirds of the counties of the state. By 1999, all 55 counties were covered by a recognized and State funded FRN.
*History of FRN’s was copied from a publication entitled: FRN Handbook 2010 and was produced by WV DHHR.
Family Support Center
Supporting West Virginia families in reaching their full potential
What is a Family Support Center?
The FSC provides a warm and welcoming community hub where any family with children birth to age 18 or pregnant families can come, not only in times of need, but as a regular part of day-to-day life.
Family Support Centers are safe gathering places for community members to socialize, receive services, and collaborate on projects.
FSC is a place where any community member will be treated with respect, dignity, and acceptance. A place where community members are safe and can find someone to listen, care, and provide assistance.
Services Offered
- Referrals for resources and services are available with easy access through the Family Support Center.
- Programs and services are geared toward strengthening families and relationships.
- Pantries offer help in meeting essential needs (food, clothing, infant care, hygiene, and cleaning).
Activities and Classes
- Crafting Projects
- Life Skills
- Grandparenting
- Classes to help with Parenting Skills
Many other activities and classes are scheduled throughout the year. You can follow us on Facebook and have up to date information at your fingertips.
If you are in need of help, or would just like to b a part of the many activities, classes, or opportunities that we offer. Please fill out the intake form below and we will get back to you ASAP.
*Please note: All information that is gathered will not be shared outside of the FRC Program, unless you have knowledge of us reaching out to another organization to help us help you.
Contact Us
FSC Director
Kelsey Griffin
Assistant FSC Director
Crystal Byrd
P. 304.643.2022
Basic Needs Pantry
The Basic Needs Pantry (formerly known as Personal Care Pantry) was established in 2017. The initial inventory consisted of donations from individuals and organizations.
In 2018, a grant was received from the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation. The funding allowed the Pantry to assist more families and children.
The Pantry carries items that can’t be purchased with SNAP benefits, such as cleaning and laundry supplies and hygiene items.
Agencies, such as DHHR, Community Resources, Senior Center, Family Crisis Intervention Center and Ritchie County Schools can make referrals to the RCFRN for their clients that are in need.
Whether a person/families is setting up housekeeping in their first home/apartment, to needing hygiene items to get ready to go on a job interview, or providing items to children placed into the foster care system, the Pantry hopes the provided items will help to improve the quality of life.
The Pantry will NOT offer monthly or recurring supplies to the same family. It will be a one time benefit. Must be a Ritchie County resident.
Donations for the pantry
If you would like to donate to the Basic Needs Pantry, monetarily or otherwise, contact the RCFRN at 304-643-2022 for additional informational.
L.I.F.E Ministry
This site is currently under construction and is being updated. Thank you for you patience during this time.
Packs of Plenty
About Packs of Plenty
Dedicated to the Cause of Taking Care of One Another Feeding the Future of Ritchie County WV When we think of hungry children, we think of developing nations... not of the kids in our backyard. It can be hard to imagine those problems exist here – in our community... but they do. Kids are our future & you can help theirs! Packs of Plenty helps prevent hunger. The program was designed to step-up where federal aid stops by feeding children during the holiday breaks in Ritchie County. It is our HOPE that this program will grow into an every weekend opportunity for those in need. Children receive packs filled with kid-friendly, ready-to-eat items to cover the meals they won't receive on days when school is not in session. We rely on private donors like you. 100% of donor proceeds go to feeding children in our backyard. DONATIONS of ALL SIZES are welcome... Pennies Make Dollars & Dollars Make a Difference! ONCE A VISION... Gail Holleron & Michelle Toman answered the call' - stood strong on their FAITH & prayed "There Would Be Plenty" NOW A REALITY... PACKS received it's beginning financial help from Change the Future WV in 2010. "We BELIEVE there will be plenty.... we will help all that we can, as much as we can, as long as we can." Trusting The One True God to provide all we need. HE gets all the glory for PACKS.
Healthy Grandfamilies
Healthy Grandfamilies Site is under construction at this time.
We appreciate you patients as we develop the information for you.
Partners in Prevention
Our Mission
TEAM for West Virginia Children is a non-profit organization whose mission is to work with communities and families to promote and advance the well-being of children, making their needs and healthy development a priority.
Strategies
We operate and partner with an integrated network of programs to:
Advocate for children.
Champion family-friendly communities.
Educate the public.
Strengthen families.
About Us
Partners in Prevention is a unique model of communities working together to strengthen families and help West Virginia’s children grow up free from abuse and neglect.
This model is based on the belief that child well-being hinges on the capacity of local communities to support families and protect children. Partners in Prevention (PIP) teams focus on the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework, developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP). At the foundation of this approach are five protective factors that make positive outcomes more likely for young children and their families, and reduce the risk of child maltreatment. The protective factors include:
- Parental Resilience
- Social Connections
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
- Concrete Support in Times of Need
- Social and Emotional Competence of Children
The Partners in Prevention network is comprised of 42 community teams across West Virginia implementing various community projects and working together to keep children safe. They offer family support, resource distribution, educational workshops, and referral to other services when needed.
Participating PIP teams receive annual grants to conduct local projects that strengthen families, protect children, and engage the public in these efforts.
The goals of the teams are to:
- Raise awareness about the prevention of child abuse and neglect
- Develop and expand effective services that prevent or reduce child maltreatment
- Inform policymakers about best practices in the prevention of child abuse and neglect
The Partners in Prevention Community Grants are supported by The West Virginia Children’s Trust Fund and the WV Department of Health and Human Resources.
Title V
About Us
This section is under construction. Please be patient as we work to get information onto the website. Thank you