The Family Resource Center at Gorham: History

History of The Family Resource Center

  • May 1994  Discussions begin between the Gorham Community Learning Center and the Town of Gorham regarding a shared building for non-profits in Gorham
  • October 1994  Town of Gorham receives a 9 month planning and feasibility study grant to research and design a building
  • January 1995  Community Advisory Committee forms and meets monthly to identify community needs, select tenants for the building, select a building site and choose an architect
  • October 1996  Town of Gorham receives $700,000 from the Community Development Block Grant Program to renovate the original school building in Gorham to create a Family Resource Center
  • April 1997  The Family Resource Center @ Gorham is incorporated and the first board of directors is formed.  Original partner agencies include:  SAU #20, The Gorham Community Learning Center, Familystrength, AV Mental Health, Parent Information Center, North Country Home Health and the North County Health Consortium
  • August 1997-May 1998  Building is completely renovated.  The original wainscoting, staircase, window casements and wood floors are preserved to maintain the character of the building.  Designated an historic building by the State of NH.
  • June 1999  Summer Youth Program and Family Empowerment Program start up as the first FRC sponsored programs
  • 2000  Substance Abuse Preventions programs are added
  • 2001  Healthy Connections and the Family Partnership program begin.  Operation School Supplies, Coats for Community started.  Concerned Community providers group formed in response to the shutdown of the mills.
  • 2002  FRC selected as a "Community Champion" by Citizens Bank.  Computer lab opens with support of "Techlink" grant
  • 2003  Board sponsors first Autumn Fundraiser dinner and auction.  "Dare to be You" family programs begin.  Youth programs receive 2003 Youth Award from the Coos County Youth Foundation
  • 2004  FRC and AVER receive $100,000 a year for two years from Jane's Trust to create a community based entry level work skills program.  FRC and SAU #3 receive $354,000 from NH Dept of Education 21st Century Learning Centers to develop afterschool programs for the elementary schools in Berlin
  • 2005  FRC receives the Smith Award for Excellence in Service to Families from the NH Children's Trust Fund.  FRC starts the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
  • 2006  Board kicks off a campaign to raise $1 million dollars in endowment.  Citizens Bank funds a 3 year Financial Literacy Project.  Heartwood Media selects the FRC to have a professional video created for the organization for free.  The video receives national recognition with a bronze "Telly" Award.  Family Inervention Program begins.
  • 2007  Child Health Support program begins.  Jane's Trust awards a third year of funding for JOBPro.  Families and Work Institute awards $100,000 for a program to connect low wage workers with publicly funded work support programs.  Tillotson Fund award $100,000 a year for 3 years to create a comprehensive family support system in Coos County