In 1990, Governor Gaston Caperton and the West Virginia Legislature created the Governor’s Cabinet on Children and Families. The Cabinet was chaired by the Governor and composed of Cabinet level Secretaries to work together to share resources, build community capacity and develop collaborative partnerships. This vision was then developed at the community level by creating Family Resource Networks. Family Resource Networks are local community organizations that work across agency boundaries to improve local conditions for children and families through assessment, planning and coordination and evaluation.

In January of 1995, Governor Caperton dispatched Cabinet members and staff to meet with President Clinton’s staff to discuss the development of a blended funding pool made up of state and federal dollars that would be used to support local FRNs statewide. A funding methodology was then developed whereby major federal programs would provide additional funds through the Medicaid and the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) programs and share the costs of supporting local FRNs with the state. The agreement was based on an understanding that the work of local FRNs was, at least in part, focused on improving services funded by these major federal programs.

In 1996 Marshall County was awarded grant funds to develop a Marshall County Family Resource Network. The Marshall County Family Resource Network (FRN) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation that was established in 1996 by concerned citizens who felt the need to streamline services and build community partnerships to address the needs of Marshall County families. The FRN promotes the development of community-based programs that help families remain intact, healthy, and responsible for their own well-being. The FRN is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of representatives from social service agencies, mental health agencies, and the education and health fields, as well as community representatives and consumers of public services.

The Family Resource Network is a coalition of citizens and agencies who are interested in improving programs and services for children, youth and families in the community. The Marshall County FRN consists of a diverse group of people representing different agencies and interests, but with the common focus on family. Through involvement with agencies, consumers, and local citizens, the Marshall County FRN works to improve existing services in Marshall County and access the need for services which do not currently exist.

The Marshall County Family Resource Network is a progressive community-based organization focused on developing and ensuring seamless delivery of accessible, affordable, and comprehensive family services. This is a collaborative system of planning and family advocacy which assists users and providers in the receipt and delivery of coordinated, effective and timely services. These services help fulfill the needs of all citizens of Marshall County, in a way that enhances the success of those individuals and their families.