Family Resource Networks (FRNs) are West Virginia’s local coordinating agencies for children and family services. FRNs were developed by the Governor’s Cabinet on Children and Families to encourage collaboration between families and agencies to design and plan services that are family-centered, strengths-focused, community-based and prevention-oriented. FRNs work on issues identified as priorities for their community so:

• Resources are invested wisely
• Services for children and families are more effective and efficient
• The need for new or expanded services can be addressed
• Citizens have the opportunity to shape services in their community
• Public support for children and families is increased.

The Eastern Regional Family Resource Network is the local coordinating agency for Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton counties. Each county has a local task force that meets monthly to work towards a local strategy to meet statewide goals and to identify local and regional needs, such as access to health care, early education and child care, parenting education and support, violence prevention and literacy.

Vision
The Eastern Regional Family Resource Network envisions a future in which communities, organizations, and governments in Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton counties work together to support children and families in achieving healthy and productive lives.

Mission
To support communication and collaboration among community stakeholders in Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton counties in order to identify the needs of children and families, engage in creative and innovative ways to maximize available resources and empower local citizens.

Values
The activities of the Eastern Regional Family Resource Network reflect the following values:

• Services are improved when we work together and learn from each other; resources and information should be shared in order to achieve the maximum gains for children and families.
• The best way to protect children for now and the future is to strengthen and support their families; services to children and families should be family-centered.
• Assessment of individuals, families, communities, or organizations should be based on a strengths-based perspective.
• All citizens have the right to contribute significantly to the destinies of their local communities; partnerships should include the involvementof all stakeholders.
• Communities can take care of themselves; development activities should emphasize the ability of communities to develop the skills and resources necessary to develop and implement solutions.
• Solutions should be developed proactively rather than reactively.