Family Access Network has moved headquarters

Family Access Network (FAN) has moved its offices from Sisters Middle School to the district administration building at 525 E. Cascade Ave. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The direct telephone number is 549-0155.

Advocate Shawna Bell is administering the program for the elementary, middle and high schools while Theresa Slavkovsky is on a three- month leave of absence. Any family that needs help with school clothing, school supplies, medical needs, rent or electricity assistance or any other kind of assistance should contact Bell at the FAN office. Bell will refer them to the agencies that can provide assistance.

"We are here to refer students and families to services that help kids have a more successful year, a more successful education," said Bell.

FAN, a Deschutes County agency, has 24 advocates countywide.

In her first two days of operation this year, Bell provided 22 sets of school supplies, helping 16 families, and three sets of school clothing through Operation School Bell. She also assisted a mom who was in between jobs.

"I helped her with rent assistance, water, gas, sewer and her electric bill," Bell said.

Shirleen Cundiff, Sisters School District Receptionist and Human Resource Assistant, said, "Since they have been here in my office, it really brings it home as to how much of a help they are to our community."

For more information visit http://www.outlawnet.com/outlaw/ssd. Click on Discover SSD, then click on District Information and finally click on Family Access Network.