Family Resource Center at Arsenal Place on track to earn state certification in October

The Family Resource Center will earn formal recognition at the state level in October.  

Last year, the Dallas County System of Services, housed in Arsenal Place, brought its Family Resource Center in-house, and the staff set out to meet rigorous state standards. In October they will be certified by the Alabama State Network of Family Resource Centers (AMFRAC). 

Membership in AMFRAC means residents of Dallas County can continue to access utility assistance and emergency aid for senior citizens. Residents can also get vocational training through the ARESET job‐placement program.  

The center also serves as a hub, connecting families to other agencies, according to Senior Programs Officer Astrid Craig.   

Residents seeking assistance can visit Arsenal Place at 22 Church St., directly across from the county courthouse, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Under its umbrella, Dallas County System of Services offers two federally funded workforce tracks for individuals aged 16 and up through its Youth Opportunity Advancement program. Vocational training and case management can lead to military enlistment, college or direct employment. 

Enrollment is open to self-referrals—no court order required—and intake staff guide applicants through eligibility and program guidelines. 

Arsenal Place’s youth division runs year-round STEM programs, including after-school and summer sessions for K-12 students in Dallas and Wilcox counties. Services include hands-on STEM and robotics workshops, and career exploration at sites such as International Paper and Craig Airport.  

The program also offers juvenile diversion training with partnerships from the Department of Youth Services, local law enforcement and guest speakers. Craig said the new Problematic Sexual Behaviors early intervention for ages 7–17. Attendance can prevent long-term court placement.  

These efforts engage roughly 1,200 students annually and represent the first community-hosted grant training site for the Department of Youth Services in Selma. 

The Children’s Trust Fund has renewed $410,000 in grants to sustain three key programs. The Familyhood Program supports parents and co-parenting partnerships. The Gang Diversion Program offers six conflict-resolution workshops for groups of school-age youth. And the Whole Family Program addresses interrelated family needs.  

Local schools, churches or community groups can schedule workshops by calling 334-505-2069. 

In partnership with Selma City Schools, the Green Street Community Center in the former Clark Elementary Pre-K building offers STEM career labs where participants can explore careers in healthcare, cosmetology and construction. This program includes college campus visits and industry site tours for teachers and students.  

On Nov. 6, Wallace Community College, Selma and Dallas County System of Services will host a “Career Quest” event. Juniors and seniors can engage in on-site interviews, application workshops, ACT prep and a college and vocational resource fair—all designed to move beyond a traditional job fair toward a personalized exploration of future pathways. 

For more information on any program at Dallas County System of Services, visit 22 Church St., call 334-526-4567 or reach Astrid Craig directly at 334-505-2069.