By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

After being without a director for six months, Families and Communities Together has been re-established with the return of Ashlee Gann in a part-time capacity.

“We never wanted to get rid of FACT,” said board member Max Heinrichs. “With the loss of grant money, we could not sustain a full-time director. We are working to get it back on its feet.”

The board was pleased, Heinrichs said, that Gann accepted a part-time position. She served as full-time director in the past. She said the part-time position was perfect for her, with a growing family.

“We need to get back to the foundation and most important part of FACT, which is helping Marion County families,” she said.

People are encouraged to notify Heinrichs or board member Todd Heitschmidt when a county family needs help, such as emergency financial assistance, school supplies, diapers, or emergency gas cards.

Gann is looking for grant money and organizing fundraisers in hopes of restoring early childhood and substance abuse programs.

Heinrichs said the early childhood component is important to ensure children are ready for school.

“I am looking forward to establishing FACT again and doing really great things in the county as we have in the past,” Gann said.