GGUSD Opens New Family Resource Center

Several people gathered at the ribbon cutting of the new Family Resource Center.

Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony today to celebrate the opening of the district’s new Family Resource Center which will connect families to important community resources. Board of Education members, district administrators, local elected officials, and leaders from area non-profit organizations attended the event. 

“Our families have real needs that extend beyond school hours and we want to be that first point of contact to provide help,” said Lan Nguyen, Board of Education president. 

The new Family Resource Center will provide an array of resources in areas like health care, homeless education assistance, immigration, legal advocacy, mental health counseling, and more. It will be staffed by community liaisons that speak multiple languages and are trained on serving the district’s diverse student population. 

“This ribbon cutting reflects what is possible when schools, city leaders, and community groups join together to make a difference,” said Teri Rocco, Board of Education trustee. 

Some of the community partners who will serve families by referrals and visiting office hours at the Family Resource Center, include Buena Clinton Family Resource Center, Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove, Casa de la Familia, Catholic Charities of Orange County, Lestonnac Free Clinic, the Mexican Consulate, Magnolia Park Family Resource Center, the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, World Relief Garden Grove, and many others. 

During the ceremony, Superintendent Dr. Gabriela Mafi thanked the community partners, as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove for helping to partially fund Family Resource Center liaison Chela Marin who will be the full-time case manager on site to deliver resources to the community. 

KPMG and Western Digital also donated approximately 700 backpacks full of school supplies for the district’s most at-risk students, including those who visit the Family Resource Center. 

“We want our families and students to know they are not alone. There is a place to turn for help; and just like our schools, the Family Resource Center will be a safe space,” said Walter Muneton, Board of Education trustee. 

The Family Resource Center is located on the Mendenhall Campus, 13611 Clinton Street (Building O) in Garden Grove, adjacent to the Assessment and Registration Center.  Call (714) 663-6411 for more information.