ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A new community fund aims to help overcome obstacles to learning faced by Albemarle County Public Schools students during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

According to a release, Families Helping Families serves students and educators by providing grants directly to the school division.

It will also work to help connect families with existing resources in the community.

“There is an imbalance in funding support provided by outside agencies school by school. We know that extra resources allow expanded learning opportunities that occur inside and outside the classrooms. These funds are intended for families and schools to address teaching and learning barriers,” said Dr. Bernard Hairston, Assistant Superintendent of ACPS.

The release says FHF is currently working to raise $150,000 to help overcome obstacles for children trying to learn during this time.

The group hopes to have raised $500,000 within the next three years to support ongoing student learning needs.

This fund is managed by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation and gifts to it are tax-deductible.

FHF says it works for equity by creating stronger working relationships with families and communities to ensure student success in school.

The group is made up of families in the county that have volunteered to help.

For more information or to make a donation, call (434) 260-1079, send an email to [email protected], or click here.