The Families First Resource Center is hosting a Family Fun Day at Memorial Park in downtown Natchez next week.

From 10 a.m to 3 p.m. July 15, families are invited to visit the park for free food and family activities such as sack races, dance contests and face painting.

The purpose of the event &uot;is to develop interest in the services of the family resource center,&uot; said Mary Jane Gaudet, center director. &uot;We’re here to promote healthy family life.&uot;

Adams County opened the center this spring with a $100,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

The center is located on 323 Market St. in downtown Natchez, and offers classes and support for all types of families.

For example, the center wants to help adults be better parents so their children will become better young people.

&uot;We believe the family is the fundamental root of behavior,&uot; Gaudet said. &uot;That’s why we call ourselves Families First.&uot;

At the Family Fun Day in the park, officials with the center will provide information on its services.

All services and classes are free.

The center is currently filling slots in a new class titled &uot;Parenting Through the Difficult Years&uot; for parents of teenagers.

The class meets from 10 a.m. to noon the next three Mondays and Wednesday in July.