Parents and Children Together (PACT) provided assistance to 88 needy families, including 123 school children, from August through December 2014, PACT representative Lori Derrick reported to the Morgan County School Board at its regular monthly meeting Thursday night.

“Our focus has been on helping families in the Falkville, Lacey’s Spring, Sparkman and Union Hill school districts where students are affected,” said Derrick. “Our plan is to extend our reach to other schools in the county system this year.

In partnership with Morgan County Schools, PACT brings resources together to help families through a program called FACT (Family Assistance Through Community Ties).

FACT coordinates needed services, not readily available, in identified schools for students and families. All services are provided free of charge, and all children and their families are eligible to receive services.

Derrick said services provided in 2013 involved 1,406 total contacts and 94 home visits. They included counseling, clothing/shoes, housing, food, utilities, dental and vision care, and school supplies.

Derrick said referrals for family assistance come from school administrators, teachers and counselors.

“Our goal is to help families locate community services they need and become self-sufficient,” Derrick pointed out.