FAN adds new advocate

Family Access Network's (FAN's) services are expanding in Sisters and so are the number of FAN advocates who help those in need.

Dawn Cooper, who will be filling in until the end of the year, is Sisters' new FAN advocate. Cooper works Wednesday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Cooper, who came to Sisters from Portland, has extensive experience assisting families. In Portland, she worked with the Multnomah Educational Services District in a program called Students Attendance Initiative; students who are not attending school are referred to the program.

"We would start checking with the families to see why they were missing school and that was usually just the beginning of the surface of some issues at home, and so we would connect with the families and connect them to resources much like FAN does," Cooper said.

Cooper with her husband and two children, who attend Sisters Middle School, moved to Sisters over a year ago. Since coming to Sisters, Cooper has worked as realtor Annie Andreson's Office Assistant at Coldwell Banker Reed Bros. Realty. Her husband, a contractor, has started his own business, Freestyle Homes. He does both remodeling and new construction.

Cooper also coaches Sisters Little League girls' softball, working with 13- and 14-year-olds.

"I've played softball my entire life," Cooper said.

Although she played on a ladies team in Portland, Cooper says she does not have enough time to join a team here in Central Oregon. She, instead, has decided to direct all of her efforts to coaching.

Cooper was attracted to FAN because she thrives on helping.

"I really enjoy working with families and children. I really enjoy making a difference every day," she said.

Commenting about her family's move to Sisters, Cooper reflected that she considers herself a big city girl. She bluntly stated that she did not want to move to Sisters.

"After living here," she said, "I wouldn't move back if you payed me to. I love the community. I love the closeness. I love the way everybody watches out for everybody's kids. I love the way that the kids are so welcoming to new students."

As a FAN advocate Cooper will assist families with basic needs services, hooking them into whatever resources are possible.

In Portland, she regularly went on home visits. According to Cooper, the situation in Sisters with clients coming into the office is completely different. She loves the interaction that evolves when clients come in. The best thing for Cooper is hearing their success stories.

Cooper is already amazed by the generosity of Sisters residents.

"I don't think I've ever seen such support," she said.