MEDIA ADVISORY: Family Resource Advocacy Network (FRAN) Grand Opening Celebrates New Community Hub For Northeast Salem Families (Photo) - 07/15/26

What:   The Epping Family Foundation and Catholic Community Services' Fostering Hope Initiative invite community members, partners, elected officials and media representatives to celebrate the grand opening of the Family Resource Advocacy Network (FRAN), a new center designed to connect Northeast Salem families with resources, support services and community opportunities.

FRAN was created to help address critical needs in the Northeast Salem neighborhood by providing a welcoming gathering space and access to family support services, service navigation and community connections. The center will serve as a hub for collaboration among community-based organizations and family advocates. 

Who:

• Gary Epping and Sue Bloom  on behalf of the Larry and Jeanette Epping Family Foundation

• Josh Graves, CEO of Catholic Community Services (CCS)/Fostering Hope Initiative

• Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter and Local leaders and community members

When:  Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Ribbon Cutting: 1:00 p.m., with open house immediately following the ceremony.

Where:  Family Resource Advocacy Network (FRAN),  3803 Lancaster Drive NE,  Salem, OR 97305

Why: Located in Northeast Salem, FRAN was established to provide a safe and accessible community space where families can connect with services, receive support and build relationships that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Community Health Workers from the Fostering Hope Initiative and partner organizations will provide outreach and service navigation from the center.

Visual Opportunities for Media:

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony

• Community and partner leaders speaking with attendees

• Tours of the new facility

• Families and community members gathering at the center

• Exterior and interior footage of the new community resource hub

Parking:  Overflow parking will be available at the Maps Credit Union Chemeketa Branch lot across the street. A lighted crosswalk is available for pedestrian access to the site.

About FRAN: The Family Resource Advocacy Network (FRAN) is a community-centered initiative supported by the Epping Family Foundation and professionally managed by Catholic Community Services' Fostering Hope Initiative. The center was developed to serve as a hub for support, connection and resource navigation for Northeast Salem families.

About Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast: A nonprofit, faith-based organization. Founded in Salem in 1938, today, CCS offers multiple programs across 10 Oregon counties and serves more than 4,500 people each year. It operates with fidelity to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which call it to work for the common good and to serve its neighbors who are the poorest and most vulnerable. CCS envisions a caring, resilient community full of hope and connection where all people flourish. CCS is a Christian ministry caring for all in our community, built on faith, hope, and kinship. www.ccswv.org.

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