By Stephen Smoot
In the past few years Family Support Centers, a project of Eastern Action, has expanded services and assistance throughout the Potomac Highlands. Specifically in Hardy, Hampshire, Pendleton, and Grant, facilities have opened to give families with children resources, respite, reassurance, and resilience.
Stop N’ Swap is one crucial service that families can access at the Family Support Center in Moorefield, but it connects those facing challenges with clothing to help meet their needs.
Ryan Runions, Director of the FSC for Hardy County, shared that Eastern Action adopted the Family Support Center model two years ago. Since, facilities have opened in Franklin, Romney, and also Petersburg. Each facility is directed by a local resident and offers programming and services designed to address community needs.
Kelly Moran, who serves as a Family Resource Navigator, added “we are here to support Hardy County families however we can.” Even after two years of service, one of the chief barriers lies in a lack of awareness that the FSCs exist. Moran stated “we would love to have people to know that we are here.”
“We are the biggest little secret in Hardy County,” Runions said with a smile, adding that the staff is determined to change that.
The Hardy County Family Support Center, located at 108 South Fork Road in Moorefield, occupies a large space at the end of the complex. Open the door and a smiling face comes to greet those walking in.
To the left stands a kitchen and coffee area. The FSC hosts numerous family friendly events to give both parents and their children opportunities to play, to learn, and to socialize. Looking to the right, one can see an incredibly comfortable set of couches and chairs located near games for kids of all ages.
By the game area stands a large space enclosed by partitions, sporting a brightly colored “Shop ‘N Swap” sign. Walk inside and one will find racks of neatly folded clothes, all generously donated. Along the exterior sit racks with men’s and women’s adult apparel. Younger children’s clothing sits in bins on tables in the middle of the space. In boxes on the floor under the table are a variety of shoes.
Staff are excited to help, especially during the colder weather when the need increases.
Some needs are less tangible, but just as vital. The FSC also offers a drop in center where parents or guardians can bring their children. Adults can sit at a table or on a couch together, talk, share advice or stories while their children enjoy games or other fun.
“If you have children, you can let them play while you sit together on the couch,” said Runions. The idea behind this lies in giving parents or guardians time to rest while still supervising their children in a safe environment. This “adult time” can mitigate a lot of stress. Sharing with others also allows those taking care of children to learn from each other.
One important program for families is called “Strive to Thrive.” It serves families with children under 18 years of age. Participating in this program gives a family access to some support services, including food, transportation, personal and household hygiene products and more.
The FSC hosts a full slate of activities from classes in cooking, parenting, personal finance, and more to Christmas ornament decoration, kids art, and more. Those who wish to join and take advantage must go through an intake process. Moran explained that as staff start to ask questions and listen to the challenges, they can often find a number of other resources to help.
One family activity coming up is a Winter Fest at Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren. Scheduled for Jan 31 at 1 p.m., the event promises “Food! Snacks! Fun!” Events like this help to develop a supportive sense of community between staff and families.
She shared that a number of people come in facing their worst challenges. Runions agreed and stated that one of the key goals early lies in helping the family find “stabilization,” then move forward from there.
Runions also explained that he intends for the FSC to evolve into a resource hub connecting clients and customers to services they need, even if FSC or Eastern Action themselves cannot help. Moran shared that they work closely with area churches, Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and others. She described how Christopher Peacock in Wardensville during the suspension of food stamp benefits held a canned food drive that supported FSC customers.
“Anyone in Hardy County can contact us,” shared Moran. “We will either find a way to help them or point them in the right direction.
