Director: Charles Benson                                                        Secretary: Lisa Ottinger

MISSION STATEMENT

Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are established and operated in the State of Tennessee pursuant to T.C.A. 49-2-115 shall do so in keeping with the following mission: 

Tennessee family resource centers shall be established by local education agencies (LEAs), in collaboration with state agencies and community stakeholders, shall operate in such a manner as to  provide leadership in planning, developing, and supporting an accessible system of coordinated, integrated public and private sector services to strengthen families’ abilities to support academic and life success of all children.

WHAT IS THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER 

The Cocke County Family Resource Center was established based on the principle that all families and children need social support, but all families do not need the same level of social support. Schools are an essential participant in effectively serving children and their families.  However, schools alone cannot address all the challenges faced by children and their families.  Therefore, partnerships between schools and concerned stakeholders in the community and state agencies must be developed. The Family Resource Center acts as a liaison between the local schools and social services to help strengthen at-risk families and children.

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CENTER 

At-risk students and families are referred to the center during the school year by teachers, guidance counselors, principals, and staff for assistance in finding the proper services that address their multiple needs.   

A community wide directory is made available to all Cocke County with a listing of many available resources. The director coordinates efforts with other service agencies to provide assistance to the students in the Cocke County School System. (This web site version contains a partial listing of available resources.)

As an example of programs administered by the Family Resource Center, family finance classes were conducted by the Family Resource Center in February & March. The purpose of these classes were to help families better manage their finances by creating a budget. 

(Please click on the links below for more information)