Colorful Mural by Hayes Freedom High Student at Camas Family Community Resource Center
Colorful Mural by Hayes Freedom High Student at Camas Family Community Resource Center

Discover the Family Community Resource Center: Your Hub for Community Support in Camas

Life’s challenges can sometimes make things feel unsteady for families. That’s where the Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) steps in. As part of the Camas School District, the FCRC is dedicated to providing a welcoming community and a wealth of resources to help every student thrive. We believe that when we support each other, everyone benefits.

Colorful Mural by Hayes Freedom High Student at Camas Family Community Resource CenterColorful Mural by Hayes Freedom High Student at Camas Family Community Resource Center

Visit the FCRC: Location and Hours

The FCRC is located within the Jack, Will, Rob Center at 2033 NE Ione Street in Camas, WA.

To schedule a visit, please email Brenda Schallberger with your preferred date and time. Appointments are necessary to ensure we can best assist you.

Email: [email protected] or call: 360-833-5612

Open Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., during school session days. Weekend appointments can be arranged if needed.

Please note: The FCRC is closed during school breaks (Christmas, Spring, and Summer). For the summer period, we reopen two weeks prior to the start of school to assist with back-to-school needs.

If you believe your student might be eligible for McKinney-Vento (M-V) support and requires transportation from outside the district, please complete and submit the Housing Questionnaire promptly.

Explore the Resources at the Family Community Resource Center

We understand that families are the experts on their own needs. The FCRC is here to connect you with the resources that best align with your family’s goals.

One significant expense for many families is rent, especially when wages are struggling to keep pace with the cost of living. The FCRC can help ease the burden on your household budget by providing access to essential items. Our resources include:

  • Self-Select Pantry: Choose from a variety of food items to supplement your grocery needs.
  • Seasonal Clothing: A selection of gently used clothing, shoes, and coats in various sizes.
  • Hygiene Items: Essential personal care products to help your family stay healthy.
  • School Supplies: Ensure your students are equipped for success in the classroom.

Beyond these visible resources, the FCRC can also connect you with further assistance, such as:

  • Job and career information
  • Medical insurance guidance
  • Rental assistance programs
  • Support for school fees

Don’t hesitate to ask us about any resource that could benefit your family.

Community Resource Guide: Navigating Support Systems

The Camas School District Family Resource Guide is a valuable tool that provides contact information for essential services in our community. This guide includes resources for:

  • Medical and legal assistance
  • Employment services
  • Housing and shelters
  • Financial and government aid

Access the full guide here: CSD-FamilyResourceGuide-Oct2022

More importantly than just a list of contacts, the FCRC offers personalized support to help you navigate these resources effectively. We can help you understand your options and connect with the right services for your specific situation.

Local Food Resources: Ensuring Food Security for Your Family

Food security is a fundamental need for every family. The FCRC pantry and fresh food options are available by appointment. However, if you require additional food support on a weekly basis, consider these local resources:

  1. Washington’s Basic Food Program: This program, accessed through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), offers food assistance with income eligibility up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, a family of 5 with a gross income of approximately $73,160 may qualify. See the Medicaid Planning Assistance website for detailed income charts.
  2. Camas School District Free and Reduced Lunch Program: Apply for this program through the Camas School District website: Free and Reduced Lunch Program.
  3. Weekend Food Backpack Program: Contact your student’s school counselor to enroll in this program, which provides a backpack of food for your student each weekend.
  4. C-W Treasure House: Located at 91 C St, Washougal, WA 98671, this organization offers monthly food boxes to local residents (10 a.m.–2 p.m. daily, walk-ins welcome). Free bread, pastries, and produce overstock are often available outside. C-W Treasure House
  5. Washougal Salvation Army: Located at 1612 I St, Washougal, WA 98671, the Salvation Army provides monthly food boxes and fresh produce on Tuesdays. Email [email protected] to enroll.
  6. Full Cart: Explore virtual food box delivery directly to your door through https://fullcart.org/.
  7. AKIN (formerly Children’s Home Society): Located at 1702 C Street, Washougal, WA 98671, AKIN receives overstock from Grocery Outlet. Call 360-835-7802 for access.
  8. Clark County Food Banks: Find a comprehensive list of food banks in Clark County at: https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/foodfinder
  9. FCRC Monthly Shopping: Camas School District families can shop at the FCRC once a month (or twice for short-term needs) to receive up to four bags of essential items.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: Supporting Students in Transition

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness. If you are facing housing instability, you may be eligible for support. This includes situations such as living in:

  • Motels or campgrounds due to lack of permanent housing
  • Cars, parks, abandoned buildings, or bus/train stations
  • Doubled up housing with others due to housing loss or economic hardship

Eligible students have the right to:

  • A free, appropriate public education.
  • Immediate school enrollment, even without standard enrollment documents.
  • Attend classes while schools gather necessary paperwork.
  • Enroll in the local school or continue at their school of origin (if preferred and in their best interest).
  • Transportation to and from the school of origin, if needed.
  • Educational services comparable to those provided to other students.

For inquiries, contact Brenda Schallberger, CSD McKinney-Vento Liaison, at [email protected]. For further assistance, contact the National Center for Homeless Education: 1-800-308-2145.

For detailed program information, visit the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act page.

Foster Care Support: Partnering for Student Success

The Camas School District is committed to working collaboratively with schools, child welfare agencies, communities, and families to support students in foster care. Our goal is to ensure equitable opportunities, specialized services, and essential supports for their success in school and life.

Eligibility for Foster Care Program:

Students in foster care are those living in 24-hour temporary care, away from parents or guardians, under the responsibility of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Eligibility continues throughout foster care, even with placement changes.

Educational Rights of Students in Foster Care:

  • Maintain enrollment in their school of origin (when foster care began or placement changed), if in their best interest.
  • Receive a free, appropriate education.
  • Enroll immediately, even without typical enrollment documents.
  • Transportation to and from the school of origin, if necessary.
  • Eligibility for the Free & Reduced Lunch Program.
  • Educational services comparable to other students, based on their needs.
  • Academic and attendance support for positive educational progress.

Questions? Reach Out to the FCRC Coordinator

Contact Brenda Schallberger, FCRC Coordinator and McKinney-Vento/Foster Care Liaison, for any questions:

How You Can Help Support the FCRC

Discover how you can contribute to the FCRC’s mission by reading the Camas-CARES-FCRC-Vision-Statement. Stay updated on current needs and opportunities through Parent Square or by following Camas FCRC on Instagram and Facebook.

Financial contributions directly support the FCRC through the Camas Students and Families Foundation. Donations are used to address critical needs such as housing, transportation, and essential supplies.

Donate to the Camas Students and Families Foundation:

  • VENMO: via the square at https://studentsandfamilies.org/contact/
  • Check: Payable to Camas Students and Families Foundation, delivered to the FCRC at 2033 NE Ione Street, or mailed to Camas School District Attn: FCRC / Brenda Schallberger, 841 NE 22nd Avenue 98607.

We welcome you to visit the FCRC and learn more about our community support initiatives. Thank you for partnering with us to uplift Camas families!

Brenda Schallberger
Family Community Resource Coordinator, McKinney-Vento, and Foster Care Liaison

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