The KRV Family Resource Center’s "Be An Angel" gift program will be held November 9 through December 7. Parents can sign up eligible children ages 11 to 18 years who are no longer eligible for Toys for Tots. Each angels’ ornament is placed on the Family Resource Center’s Christmas tree with the child's age, gender, and three wishes for "something special" on it. Agencies, organizations or individuals can "adopt" a child or a set of siblings up until Monday, December 10. Donations are also accepted. Gifts need to be brought to the Family Resource Center unwrapped by Friday, December 14. All donations will remain anonymous.

¬ÝParents are then asked to pickup gifts between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20. The Resource Center will make no exceptions. The Kernville Union School District’s Family Resource Center offers a variety of other services to local families as well. The staff of three Family Advocates, three Intensive Home Visitors, and new Parent Mentor provide local families help with concerns ranging from medical, dental, parenting, nutritional or mental health issues to assistance with school readiness and utility bills.

The Family Advocates are each assigned to a school site, where they spend time assisting with students and school staff. They also receive referrals from teachers, office staff, aides, principals and bus drivers, and then contact individual families to help them with their specific concerns. The Family Resource Center’s Intensive Home Visitors work with families in their homes, helping them build their parenting skills and make sure their kids are ready for school when they’re old enough to attend. They also provide weekly "Me & My Friends" learn and grow playgroups that meet every Tuesday in Lake Isabella and every Wednesday in Kernville.

Parent Mentors help parents connect to resources, supports at risk families, and help parents navigate through their court case plans as they work to regain custody of their children. This service is not restricted to parents involved with Child Protective Servies however.

The Family Resource Center has been able to help more than 250 families with high utility bills through H.E.A.P. applications, referrals to agencies with payment assistance and budgeting classes. Whether you need a link to local services, or are just looking for a sympathetic ear when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of being a parent, the Family Resource Center can help. You may contact the Family Resource Center at 379-2556.