09/01/2026
Yes, this post is long, but after several months, lots of press, and some social media discussions, we want to share updates and explain some behind the scenes details regarding programs and funding. To be clear, the Ohio County Family Resource Network remains open and will continue serve Ohio County.
There has been a lot of conversation recently about Family Resource Networks, Family Support Centers, and other family serving programs, especially those in the Northern Panhandle. With several significant changes happening at once, we know the terminology, and what these changes mean for families, can be confusing.
We also want to acknowledge that these changes have been incredibly difficult. Organizations that have served their communities for many years have closed, dedicated professionals have unexpectedly lost jobs they cared deeply about, and families and community partners have experienced disruptions in services. When an organization closes its doors, it can be for any number of reasons, and that is almost always determined by their individual board of directors. There are people behind every one of these transitions, and we want to be thoughtful about that. We know and care about these individuals on a personal level.
At the same time, we hope it is helpful to explain a little about how West Virginia's funding is structured.
West Virginia DoHS provides funding for several types of family support programs, including Family Resource Network (FRN) grants, Family Support Center (FSC) grants, and In-Home Family Education programs (you may know them as PAT or MIHOW).
Adding to the confusion, “Family Resource Network” can refer either to a state-funded FRN program or to the name of a nonprofit organization. Some organizations that administer an FRN grant have “Family Resource Network” in their organizational name, while others do not. And organizations with “Family Resource Network” in their name may administer several other grants and programs in addition to the FRN grant.
For example, Ohio County Family Resource Network is the name of our nonprofit organization. The state-funded FRN grant is one program we administer. We also operate the Ohio County Family Support Center and other programs supported through separate funding sources.
Each grantee is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization. We are not sites of one larger organization. We have our own Boards of Directors, missions, policies and procedures, and 990 filings (IRS document).
This distinction matters as changes occur.
When an organization that administers these programs closes, there may unfortunately be a lapse in services while DoHS determines the next steps, identifies another qualified organization, and completes the process necessary to transition the grant. That transition does not happen overnight, and we recognize how difficult that gap can be for families, staff, and communities.
However, the closure of the organization that previously administered a grant does not mean the state-funded program itself is permanently ending. Those grants can ultimately be reassigned so that FRN grant, Family Support Center grant, and In-Home Family Education services can continue under a new organizational home.
We are already part of one such transition. Ohio County Family Resource Network has assumed administration of the Wetzel County Family Resource Network grant. We worked closely with the existing Wetzel County FRN director, Elizabeth Seckman throughout the process. Our goal is to preserve the Wetzel County FRN's local identity, relationships, and community focus while providing the organizational infrastructure needed to administer the grant.
Separately, there are very real concerns about delays in state funding affecting the FRN grants, Family Support Center grants and In-Home Family Education programs. Timely contracts and invoice payments are vital for programs to continue to operate. The Family Resource Network grants started July 1, yet contracts and payments have not arrived. "5th quarter" Family Support Center invoices have not yet been paid.
As the Northern Panhandle moves through these changes, we hope to help families and community partners understand both what is changing and what is continuing.
Most importantly: a change in the organization administering a program does not mean the program is gone. But transitions take time, service gaps can occur, and we know those gaps have an impact on families and communities. We remain committed to helping families understand where services are available, supporting smooth transitions whenever possible, and working alongside our partners to make sure these important programs continue serving children and families across our communities.
A heartfelt thank you all who continue to call, email, and reach out on behalf of the FRN and FSC grantees. Our Ohio County grants and the Wetzel County FRN grant are in process with DoHS and we eagerly and urgently await the processing of payments from July 1 to August 31 for both grants.
