There aren’t many new buildings in Niland, but a newly refurbished building now houses Niland’s Family Resource Center (NFRC), which serves families in Niland, Bombay, the Slabs and Calipatria.  The Family Resource Center is a grant project originally funded by The Alliance Foundation through the Imperial County Office of Education (ICOE).

The new reception area welcomes community to the permanent and professional Family Resource Center.

The hallway to resources - Each door off this hallway opens into a different resource and opportunity for the Niland community to obtain services

Calipatria Unified School District is a partner in the project and a strong supporter.  Its purpose is to provide families with services from county agencies and programs all in one satellite office location.  This allows families to get what they need conveniently, right in Niland with out the long 74 miles round trip drive to El Centro. Two key programs housed at the NFRC are the Mentoring Program, funded by the California Wellness Foundation and the Violence Prevention Project funded by the California Endowment.

Services range from Parenting Wisely classes, Second Step Curriculum for students at Grace Smith Elementary, Dept. of Social Services processing for TANF, Medi-Cal and Food Stamp applications, Dept. of Social Services CalWORKs and IVROP meeting with clients to assess for employment and training opportunities and referrals made to agencies such as Senior Citizen Fund, Campesinos Unidos, IC Behavioral Health, Housing Authority and Center for Family Solutions. 

The Niland Family Resource Center (NFRC) is located adjacent to Grace Smith Elementary School in Niland.  Until recently they made due with a Grace Smith classroom built in the 1950’s as their office.  There were 5 foot high partitions instead of walls and mix matched furnishings.  While the classroom had served well for teaching students, it was not conducive to confidential conversations or trainings that require a private setting.  But that has all changed, community members still walk up to the same building but they open the door to a very well organized and professional office with a waiting room, reception area, walled offices and training spaces.  Even more important than the professional look of the new offices, additional services can be added now that the offices meet the necessary codes for confidentiality and privacy of clients and staff.  Talks have begun with the Imperial County Behavior Health Department which could lead to new clinical, assessment and intake services. 

There is a general sense of helpfulness at the Family Resource Center as the staff looks for ways to provide families with what they need.  “We really try to make a difference for the people who access the NFRC.  If we don’t have the services they need here we will refer them to programs, nonprofit groups or other agencies that can” says Coordinator, Patti Dueñas. The renovation to the center, accomplished through the Imperial Valley Community Access Program, funded by the Imperial County Public Health Dept.. and Calipatria Unified School District.

Niland FRC Coordinator, Patti Dueñas, in her remodeled office to which she has added pictures and decoration that create a warm and friendly atmosphere.

In addition, the school district has made other significant contributions including a new phone system and internet lines. Coordinator, Patti Dueñas remarks: “The Calipatria Unified School District has been very supportive of the NFRC.  Being housed on the campus of Grace Smith School is great.  The school staff and Mr. Kline (Principal of Grace Smith School) have made every effort to work with the NFRC staff in working with families from the community.  Whenever we need extra room for Parenting Classes, large meeting areas or any classes, Mr. Kline is always willing to accommodate.”

Niland FRC staff, Dolores Ganelon, Care Coordinator, Patti Dueñas, Niland FRC Coordinator and Susana Garcia, Family Advocate, in front of their renovated offices.

To celebrate, the Family Resource Center will have an Open House on April 20, 2005 in conjunction with the Family Health Fair also scheduled that day.  The community is welcome and will be given the opportunity to tour the facilities.  The staff (seen in the picture to the left) will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on how to access the services.