10/16/2026
WE’RE NOT WAITING FOR FAMILIES TO COME TO US. WE’RE GOING TO THEM!
For years, the Family Resource Center has worked to remove barriers for children and families throughout Citrus County. But we’ve come to realize something important…
Sometimes, the biggest barrier to getting help is simply getting to the help.
🚗 What happens when a family doesn’t have transportation?
⛽ What happens when a parent can’t afford the gas to drive across town?
❤️ What happens when a child needs shoes, clean clothes, food, or basic hygiene products, but their family doesn’t know where to turn?
The need is there. The resources aren’t always within reach.
And that’s why we’re changing how we serve our community.
INTRODUCING THE PIT STOP!
Instead of expecting families to find their way to the Family Resource Center, we’re bringing our services directly into Citrus County elementary schools!
Through The Pit Stop, we’re creating school-based resource rooms where children and families can access:
🍎 Shelf-stable food for the family
👕 Clothing and shoes
🧴 Toiletries and hygiene essentials
🎒 School supplies
🏕️ Emergency essentials for families experiencing housing instability
Family support and connections to community resources
Our first Pit Stop will open at Forest Ridge Elementary in January 2027!
We’re proud to partner with the Citrus County Education Foundation to help make this vision a reality.
And Forest Ridge is just the beginning. Our goal is to eventually bring The Pit Stop to all 11 Citrus County elementary schools.
Think about what this means.
A child who needs a new pair of shoes won’t have to wait for their parent to find transportation across town.
A family struggling to put food on the table can be connected with resources through a place they already know and trust.
A teacher or school social worker who sees a child struggling with basic needs will have another resource right there at school.
We’re eliminating barriers by going directly to where the need exists.
This isn’t about changing our mission. It’s about finding a better way to accomplish it.
Because a child’s ability to succeed shouldn’t depend on whether their family has a vehicle, gas money, or the ability to take time off work.
And we need our community to help make this possible!
For just $20 a month or $240 a year, you can help provide the essential needs of a local child.
We’re also looking for businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals willing to donate supplies, volunteer, or partner with us.
For 40 years, the Family Resource Center has been part of this community. Now we’re taking our next step forward.
We’re not moving away from the families we serve. We’re moving closer to them.
🏁THE PIT STOP Meeting needs and creating experiences for Citrus County children.
💚 TOGETHER WE RISE!
