This paper describes and evaluates the Blalock FIRST (Fund for the Improvement and Reform of Schools and Teaching) project, a 3-year, federally funded project based in an elementary school that serves mainly female-headed, African-American families who receive government assistance and live in public housing. The Blalock FIRST project seeks to increase school attendance and achievement of students in kindergarten through grade 7, reduce the number of students who are retained or placed in remedial programs, improve students' self-esteem and increase teachers' expectations for student achievement, and increase family and community support for, and involvement in, school activities. Three programs developed by Blalock FIRST are discussed in detail. The programs are: (1) the Viking Center, a 30-minute daily class attended by students who exhibit disruptive classroom behavior; (2) Newstart, a 30-day intervention program designed to reduce disciplinary problems among students; and (3) the Parent Center, designed to assist parents with family or individual problems while encouraging their participation in school activities. The Blalock FIRST staff, teachers, and parents found that the projects had a very positive effect on the school and the educational process. Contains 34 references. (MDM)