Beginning this summer, Vancouver Public Schools will have a new mode of transportation: a mobile Family-Community Resource Center. Instead of students though, the Dodge Ram ProMaster will transport a coordinator, resources and supplies for families who require assistance with housing, food, clothing, school supplies and other unmet needs that can be barriers to learning.
Thirteen district schools already have onsite FCRCs. In a series of symposia, staff and community members suggested a mobile FCRC as a way to reach those that do not.
In addition to serving schools without FCRCs, the mobile FCRC will travel around the city to provide support to kids and families at school events, at resource fairs and in underserved neighborhoods.
The coordinator will help school-based staff members allocate supplies and information for students and organize activities that engage families. Onboard van space will alleviate some of the storage needs in overcrowded schools.
The coordinator also will work with community partners and other coordinators to deliver services in more-effective ways.
And unlike school-based FCRCs, the mobile FCRC will provide a way for the district to help families all year long and during expanded hours and days.
“We’re excited to have an opportunity to explore offering district-wide FCRC services,” says Tamara Shoup, director of family engagement.
Look for the mobile FCRC to make its official debut at the Go Ready! Back-to-School-Readiness Festival. To see where the van will be headed next, follow @VPS_FCRC on Twitter.