Balally Family Resource Centre (FRC) was established in 1994 as a result of an application for funding from the Department of Social Welfare in the context of the International Year of the Family. The project was allocated funding as part of the three year pilot project by the Department of Social Welfare for a Family Resource Centre and a part time coordinator was employed.

In Autumn 1997 the Project Co-coordinator resigned but an application by the Board of Management for the continuation of funding was successful. A new coordinator and part time Administrator were employed in 1999. The position of part time Development Worker was provided in 2008.

Balally FRC is now one of 107 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) supported through the Child and Family Agency’s Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme. In 2014 Tusla – the Child and Family Agency (CFA) was established and the FRC programme became part of this dedicated state agency responsible for well-being and outcomes for children.

Balally FRC is managed and directed by a group of local volunteers who are a limited company guaranteed with charitable status. There are currently eight directors elected and they represent the issues and needs of the local community, families and children.

Over the last 21 years, the Centre has grown and adapted to the ever changing needs of the community. In 2016 the Centre is still a thriving and integral part of the community and family support structures in the area.

Balally Family Resource Centre has an open door policy, where community members are welcome to drop in from Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm.
The main areas of Balally FRC work include: Parent and Toddler; parenting support; After-Schools programmes; Adult community education; Support of community and voluntary groups in the area; Community based Initiatives; Youth work; and the daily provision of Information, advice and referral.

Currently Balally FRC employs 1 full-time coordinator, 1 part time Development Worker and 1 part time Administrator. During 2013 we also recruited as part of our team 2 Community Employment (CE) workers. In recent years the work of Balally FRC has focused on supporting the needs of children and families living locally. Our activities, programmes and initiatives have changed significantly to respond to their need for specific interventions. Moreover our way of working has adapted to respond more effectively to our communities needs. Outreach,networking, needs analysis, collaboration, targeting, family support and promotion have become integral features of our way of working.

Balally FRC catchment area targets the following estates:

• Moreen /Blackthorn
• Furry Hill
• Bearna Park
• Sandyford Park
• Wedgewood
• Greenland
• beacon south quarter