PRINEVILLE, OR -- The Family Access Network (FAN) is expanding into Crook County. FAN advocates work with struggling families to connect them with local community resources. 

FAN Executive Director Julie Lyche tells KBND News, "We've been working with Crook County on a plan to be able to support the FAN advocates in their area, and their school district has been really excited about doing this and has stepped up and put money into the initial project to get the FAN advocates going over there."

The program is already in all 50 public schools in Deschutes County. "I see this as a really similar development to how we started in Deschutes County, with some of the schools - the highest need schools - then adding more FAN advocates on. As we have gained support in Deschutes County, we're now in all public schools and early childhood centers. Our hope is, down the line, that's how it's going to look in Crook County, as well," says Lyche.

Barnes Butte and Crooked River Elementary schools will each have advocates working half time. "This is going to be an amazing resource for our families living in poverty in Prineville. Families that have children in those schools will be able to contact their FAN advocate at the school and get assistance with connections to basic needs like food, shelter, utilities and clothing."