Video: Family Resource Center Impacts Lives Of Those With Diverse Needs

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Kaytlin Bohn and Jessie Reed spent a lot of time in class at the Family Resource Center’s offices on Magazine Street.

They are part of an initiative called “New Learning Resources Online” or NLRO, a program for students who need a high school diploma.

“The teachers here, they’re really great, and it’s not like a normal school, it’s very flexible,” said Bohn.

Kaytlin is 15, and her classmate, Jessie, is 25. Taylor Pierce is the NLRO instructor.

“It’s a great opportunity, it’s more hands on, I get to meet these people, get to hear their stories and I get to help them reach their goals to get to where they want to be in life, it’s really rewarding,” said Pierce.

It is just one of many programs at the Family Resource Center. The open house gave visitors a chance to learn about other services offered, such as life skills, parenting, child safety, anger management, and abstinence education.

The services were recently expanded to 46 counties statewide, thanks to a 5 million dollar grant from the Department of Human Services, through a program called “Families First for Mississippi.”

Youth Court Judge Charlie Brett says the partnership will help many people.

“There’s never enough resources for all the folks in Mississippi so every additional resource we can provide improves the community, our people and our state,” said Judge Brett.

For clients like Jessie, who needs only seven credits for his diploma, the services offered by FRC are life changing.

“It’s like a weight on me, and once I finish, that weight will be gone, I can move on with my life I can go to college , and do more, other things that I want to do,” said Reed.

FRC also has satellite offices in Oxford, Southaven and Columbus.