Family Resource Center opens Calhoun County location

CALHOUN CITY, MISS. (WCBI) – An organization that helps families succeed opened an office in one Northeast Mississippi county.

It has been a busy first week at the Family Resource Center’s newest office in Calhoun City.

“I’ve kind of been overwhelmed with interest and excitement, actually we’re trying to catch up, trying to keep up, said Porter Casey, who is a lifelong resident of Calhoun County.

He retired as an educator, but when he heard Families First Of Mississippi was planning on opening a Family Resource Center in the county, he knew there was a need for the organization’s services and he was eager to help lead the effort.

“It’s fun to get up and come to work everyday,” said Casey.

The Family Resource Center is located in what had been unused space in the Calhoun County Career and Technical Center.

The career and tech center is part of the Calhoun County School District. High school students who fail to master the required state test for graduation, can take classes at the FRC to help them get a diploma. There are also classes for adults who don’t have a high school diploma.

“We wanted it to be somewhat of an extension to the school, additional services that we are unable to provide, We are obviously in a rural area and at times we have limited resources for things that our students and family members need,”said Superintendent Lisa Langford.

The Calhoun Family Resource Center will also help adults and high school students with soft skills, how to prepare a resume, the importance of showing up to work on time and how to get along with co workers.

“Right now, three of our major industries in the county are hiring, so to get these people job ready is going to be a big positive for our county,” said Sheila Freely, executive director of the Calhoun Economic Development Association.

“We hope citizens take advantage of resources here, educational, parenting resources, literacy, adult literacy and if they don’t offer it here they can point you in the right direction,” said Calhoun City Mayor Amye Hill.

Plans are in the works to offer more services and classes in the future.

Families First for Mississippi began more than 20 years ago as a way to help strengthen families and communities across the state.