Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
The Jasper Area Family Services Center (JAFSC) is a member of the Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers. Though each resource center around the state must meet certain standards, each center offers unique programs to better serve its respective communities.
Through partnering with institutions like Bevill State Community College, Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center, Capstone Health, Literacy Council of Central Alabama, and UAB Early Head Start, the Center houses various community programs for families and individuals.
Donna Kilgore, Executive Director of JAFSC, says, “Family resource centers try to meet families where they are because we believe that resiliency can be taught. Even if we don’t have a service internally, we refer out and make a connection for an individual or family to the resources they need. A lot of times, we’re described as a one-stop center; somebody can walk in, speak with a staff member, and connect to more than one program internally or to resources outside of us.”
Programs at JAFSC include:
Parent/Family-Focused Programs
– Baby TALK: Provides literacy, hospital visits, books, newsletters, and nurturing activities to parents to understand child development.
– Cooperative Parenting: Teaches co-parenting and civil behavior for divorced parents (Fee-based).
– HIPPY Walker County: Works with families at home to provide in-home instruction for children aged 2-4.
– First Class Pre-K: Offers early childhood learning experiences for 4-year-olds.
– Supporting Parents, Strengthening Families (Parent Project): Helps parents with childhood behavior problems.
– The Family Initiative: Assists parents in meeting financial responsibilities and nurturing relationships with children.
– Hopes & Dreams: Assists individuals and families in achieving their goals.
Education/Career-Focused Programs
– Bevill State Adult Education Program (GED, ESL): Offers adult literacy, basic workforce skills, and GED preparation for free.
– Computer Classes: Provides a free introduction to computers for individuals over 50.
– Computer Lab: Offers public access to computers for various purposes.
– STEP UP (Success Through Education and Professional Upskilling) (A-RESET): Offers workforce development, career coaching, job training, and personalized assistance.
– Thrive Together Walker County: Designed to break the cycle of poverty in female-led two-generational families by providing case management, housing assistance, childcare, and employment preparation services.
Safe-Driving/Substance-Related Education/Prevention/Intervention Programs
– Court Referral Education Programs (Level I, II, and Juvenile): Designed to reduce drug and alcohol crimes by educating participants on risks and consequences. (Fee-based)
To learn more about these services, call 205-302-0801 or visit JAFSC at 1400 19th Street West, Jasper, AL 35501. WL
