AVON – Rural communities often face barriers of isolation.

The Electronic Grange Network, a diverse group of individuals and organizations stretching from Oxford County to the Canadian border, is working on a development plan that it hopes will redefine the quality of life for many in rural Western Maine.

“Many rural adults cannot read or write at a level that will allow them access to information needed to make decisions. This problem is further complicated by a surge of technological advances that distance the techno-illiterate rural populations from opportunities,” according to the group’s Web site.

A collaborative partnership is now engaged in transforming the former Lauri toy factory in Avon into a new regional resource center known as the Opportunity Center of Northern Franklin County. The center will provide help to local people through public, private and nonprofit organizations, based on people’s assets and abilities.

Organizers say they are encouraged by the level of local and state interest and by the enthusiasm and excitement generated in the first few months of development.

“We have found that local folks have the solutions to the economic and educational barriers that will lead our rural communities out of poverty and on to rural prosperity,” said Abe Kreworuka, principal in the organization.

To celebrate their new endeavor, the Electronic Grange will host a house-warming at its newest office in Avon today. Refreshments will be served and a variety of activities and displays will be available for visitors.

People are encouraged to bring their ideas for training opportunities for discussion and development.

The purpose for the open house is to “bring people in to see what’s going on and get ideas of what people want for training,” said Anna Mosier, office manager for the group.

The not-for-profit corporation has received awards from Kellogg Foundation and recognition from the Rural Sociological Society. They also recently received a grant from the Maine Nutrition Network, which they used to teach the value of healthy diets to rural consumers.