In the Herrin School District, support goes beyond the classroom thanks to a new, state-funded initiative: the Family Outreach Advocates program. This team of five women, each based in a different school, brings much-needed resources and support to students and their families. The Family Outreach Advocates are committed to creating a healthier, more connected Herrin community, one family at a time.

Funded by the Full-Service Community Schools grant from the State of Illinois, the Family Outreach Advocates program launched this July with a five-year plan. The grant enables the team to address the multifaceted needs of students and families, offering support that goes beyond academics. As advocate Tammy McPhail explains, “We’re here to complement the work of social workers, guidance counselors, and school staff, filling in gaps and helping students thrive both in and out of school.”

The Family Outreach Advocates’ work varies based on the specific needs of each school. While McPhail supports families at Herrin Elementary, Megan Mallow serves at the Junior High, Paige Daly at the Pre-K Center, Dezhane Timmons at the High School, and Morgan Pass at North Side Primary. Each advocate’s role is tailored to meet the unique challenges within their assigned school, helping students navigate issues from mental health to family support.

A central aim of the Family Outreach Advocates program is to make schools the heart of the community. From coordinating home visits to providing essentials like clothing and school supplies, the advocates work to ensure students have what they need to succeed.

“Our goal is to make families feel supported and connected to the school community,” says Paige Daley. This support extends to things many people may take for granted, like access to hygiene supplies. For instance, Herrin’s Junior High has showers available, stocked with shampoo, deodorant, and towels funded through the grant so that a child can take a shower if one is not available at home. “It’s about making them feel safe and supported in all aspects of their lives,” Mallow adds.

Each advocate collaborates closely with social workers, teachers, and other school staff. Working as part of a larger team, they meet frequently to discuss specific cases and coordinate their efforts to make the biggest impact. “In a school with 700 students, even with multiple social workers, you can’t always cover every need,” says McPhail. “We’re here to fill those gaps and provide additional support, from emergency resources to ongoing emotional support.”

The advocates also connect families with community organizations like Crosswalk, a local agency that helps with utilities and rent. As McPhail describes, “We serve as a one-stop resource hub, helping families access services they may not even know are available.” By networking with agencies and creating new partnerships, the Family Outreach Advocates ensure Herrin families get the help they need to overcome challenges.

Success in this program is often measured one student or family at a time. For example, Mallow recalls helping a family new to the area. “The student was scared to walk to school in an unfamiliar neighborhood, so we arranged for a bus to pick her up,” Mallow says. “The relief on the mother’s face was unforgettable—it meant she didn’t have to worry about her child’s safety.”

For Timmons, working with high school students brings unique challenges, especially in mental health. “I had a parent thank me for advocating for her daughter’s well-being,” Timmons shares. “When students know they have someone to talk to, it can make all the difference.”

Tammy McPhail has a dream she would like to see come to fruition in the next five years. “It is my heart’s desire to see located in a central location in the Herrin district a place where faculty, staff, and parents can come to get clothing for the kids whenever they need it.”

In five years, when the grant period ends, the advocates hope to have left a lasting impact. “My goal is for the Family Outreach Advocate role to become a permanent part of every school,” Pass explains. “The school social workers are often overwhelmed, and we provide a unique connection to families that helps us meet needs holistically.”

“Our dream is that this program becomes so well-known that everyone in Illinois knows what a Family Outreach Advocate is,” Timmons adds. “We want every family to feel that they have someone in their corner.”

With this new program, Herrin’s Family Outreach Advocates are redefining the role of the school in the community. By providing essential resources and support, they’re making a profound difference in students’ lives, one connection at a time. And with each success, they’re proving that, in Herrin, no family stands alone.