The Mineral County Family Resource Network (MCFRN) has been busy this summer with Energy Express and the Parenting Fair held on July 23. Energy Express wrapped up yesterday.
“Energy Express went really well, said Gerri Mason MCFRN director. “We were full to capacity, and next year we hope to reach even more children.”
MCFRN just hired a new AmeriCorps Vista worker, Virginia Conrad. Conrad, originally from Washington, D.C., moved to the area a year ago.
As a Vista worker, Conrad will be working with Judge Phil Jordan to introduce the Court Appointed Special Advocacy (CASA) program to train and recruit people. CASA is a program that works with Guardian Ad
Litem and Child Protection Services to represent children in court cases and help find placement for the children. Conrad will start on Sept. 20. 
MCRN is currently looking for another Americorps VISTA worker to work with the Mineral County Healthy Coalition to hold workshops and training. If anyone is interested in this position, they may contact Mason at (304) 788-9099.
MCFRN is a government-mandated agency that works with area agencies to ensure that families in the community receive the support they need to enable them a higher standard of living. A board of directors governs MCFRN, and is required to have the following mandatory members: Local schools, health departments, and Department of Health and Human Resources.
At the next MCFRN meeting, to be held on August 5, a representative from the Coordinating Council for Independent Living will offer a presentation. Independent Living is a program that helps disabled people become independent by living on their own.