Word of Thanks: Family Resource Center in Sterling

Family Resource Center in Sterling, Colorado, is the go-to place for those needing assistance in rural northeastern Colorado. The caring staff and dedicated volunteers provide education in many forms for families seeking to improve their lives, year-round programming for low-income and at-risk youth, a plethora of resources and referrals, and care for the hurting. 

Family Resource Center was started by Mrs. Karen Torres in 2006. Supervised visitation was the first service offered to the community. From there, parenting classes were added. As of 2024, FRC offers Nurturing Fathers, Nurturing Parenting, Incredible Years, Parenting in Recovery, and The First Five Years parenting curricula. Due to the skill and talent of the facilitators, the classes are wildly successful with classes being offered in both the afternoons and evenings during many months of the year. Tom Westfall also hosts a monthly Tune Up parenting class online every second Tuesday of the month. 

The Game Plan for Success Youth Program offers children and teens the opportunity to get together with others their age to engage in fun, educational activities under the guidance of nurturing mentors who build resiliency skills in the kids. Currently, there are 75 children and teens enjoying Summer Adventure Club each day through the end of July. The community garden is provided to the community through the diligent work of the Summer Adventure Club kids. During the school year, the children and teens have the opportunity to belong to ASSET Club on Mondays when the local school district is not in session and Teen Club that meets every Tuesday evening.  Through Teen Club, they have the opportunity to do community service and engage in leadership and teen pregnancy prevention lessons. Nutritious meals and snacks are always part of the time spent together. 

The Circle of Grandparents supports those raising their grandchildren through weekly get-togethers and provision of resources. Available resources include FRC's indoor food pantry and access to one of the four Blessing Boxes placed strategically around Sterling. These food boxes allow people to access food 24 hours a day as needed and also provide a wonderful opportunity for community members to donate food into them. Free GED classes are provided each Monday and Thursday evening. 

FRC is skilled in providing Family Development services to families who are seeking to reduce challenges in their lives. They meet weekly with their Family Advocate to discuss their family goals, discuss progress toward their goals, work to eliminate barriers, and cooperatively find solutions to their needs. The compassion and skill displayed by the dedicated staff at FRC has led to the Center being chosen Best Nonprofit in Logan County for the past five years. We are honored to have been chosen as a 9News Word of Thanks organization and cherish the support of Colorado. Thank you in joining us in building strong family units and healthy children through education, support systems, and resources and referrals.