LOWER LAKE, Calif. — Lake Family Resource Center has opened a new facility in Lower Lake to help families whose children have educational challenges as well as young people who are at-risk.

The new Family Empowerment Center, or FEC, had its grand opening on Thursday.

Lisa Morrow, Lake Family Resource Center’s executive director, said the biggest part of the center’s program is helping families navigate the school system.

The center is located at 16170 Main St., Suites C and D, in Lower Lake.

In June, the FEC’s four staffers moved into the space formerly occupied by In-Home Supportive Services, which has moved just down the street, said Kim Gentle, the center’s director.

Lake Family Resource Center reported that the FEC “is designed to assist parents in understanding their child’s educational and developmental needs, supporting effective communication with service providers, and offering resources for navigating the IEP [Individualized Education Program] process. We strive to build positive partnerships between parents and educators while promoting alternative dispute resolution strategies.”

The focus will be on children with disabilities as well as at-risk children, said Gentle.

That help includes a variety of services — everything from advocacy to play groups to homework help, along with information and referral services, caregiver and parent trainings and workshops, networking and peer support, individualized support, health and wellness resources, and culturally and linguistically responsive services.

Core services will be on-site, with remote support also offered.

The parent-led program will serve families with children and young adults with disabilities from ages 3 to 18, and young adults from ages 19 to 22 who had an individualized education plan prior to their 18th birthday.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” said Morrow, who added that Lake Family Resource Center is happy to have a space in the south county once again.

The FEC will serve all of Lake County and will have a presence in all seven school districts.

Morrow said it's a requirement for center employees that they have lived experiences. In this case, the advocates and staff have children who have the kinds of needs for assistance that the FEC offers.

Lake’s new FEC is the last to come online in California, where there are 33 of the centers, said Gentle. They are required by law and funded by the California Department of Education’s Special Education Division.

The referral process for the program is the same as Lake Family Resource Center’s other programs. Referrals can come through schools, doctors and organizations that serve children. Families may also do self-referrals.

Gentle said the FEC will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 pm., Monday through Friday.

She said those who need services are invited to walk in during those regular business hours.

The center’s first play group will be held on Oct. 23.

“This is where we are starting. This is a whole new project area for us,” Morrow said.

For more information, call 707-279-0563.

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