A few weeks ago my neighbor, Barbara Heath, sent me some information about a program that I have always heard of  it but did not know that much about the specifics of what it was all about…  This is Friends of the Family.  It is a county-wide child abuse prevention program that seeks to prevent child abuse through education.  The program (which Mrs. Heath has been a part of since the beginning) began in 1980 in Jackson County.  With Mrs. Heath being one of the “founders” of this group,she knows all there is to know about how it began, what they do and what their focus is throughout the county.

Friends of the Family Program is in ALL city and county schools at this time.  Trained volunteers present programs in ALL classrooms of the 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade and 8th grade.  During these programs, these volunteers are emphasizing the importance of telling a trusted adult if any questionable actions ever occur.  This could be at home, with friends or anyone that they have contact with…  The programs are professional and very tasteful and are suitable for the age group that is being addressed.

For example, the 2nd graders are presented a Puppet Show. The puppets will act out different situations that may happen and inform the students that what they may think is “normal and good”, is NOT normal and those students should not be afraid to tell someone that can help them with the situation that occurred.

The3rd grade, 5th grade and 8th graders are shown prepared DVD’s and then after they are through watching them, the students will have an opportunity to not only discuss what they viewed but also ask questions that they may have at that time.

The 5th and 8th grade are also taught in variety of programs regarding Internet safety.  I know with my MM getting to that age where “Internet” is just as much of a “must have” as the cell phone and Ipod- that we try to take every precaution that we possibly can to monitor watch she can go to on the Internet.  We all know that the Internet can be a “life-saving” tool for us but it can also be extremely dangerous too– especially with children.  The way I see it, you cannot give your child TOO much information when it comes to Internet safety.

The Friends of the Family group make contact with around 2,700 students in the Scottsboro and Jackson County School systems each year and with the “harsh and cold” world that we live in at times, I am so glad that we have a group of volunteers who take the time to educate our children on a subject that is very difficult to discuss with children at any age.

This volunteer group is made up of a very diverse group of people. You may have a retired person or then you could have college students who may be attending college who are in the process of obtaining at education degree or a civil service degree.  The group is not just thrown out there to do these programs either.  They are put through a “training class”  which educates them in presenting the child abuse prevention message.  So, if you are a person that enjoys working and spending time with children, I highly encourage you to consider participating in the “Friends of the Family” Training Session which is scheduled for this Thursday, September 17th beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Community Room (this building is located on Liberty Lane behind First Southern Bank and Western Sizzlin).  The session/class will end around 11:30 a.m. and then there will be served a complimentary lunch.  While enjoying your lunch, you will be able to talk and get to know the other Friends of the Family volunteers who you may not know.

You may think that you just do not have enough time to commit to a program like this- that is the great thing about being a volunteer for “Friends of the Family”–you may spend as much time as you wish and have available and do not have to commit to any hours that you cannot give to the program.  They are wanting people in Scottsboro and Jackson County areas to participate in volunteering with this very much needed program. 

With my job, I see the need of  “Friends of the Family” on a daily basis.  I have left work at times and could not get a certain family or situation off of  my mind and worry until I cannot worry any longer.  I truly believe that with tough times like we are living in and people suffering financially- children are the victims of stress, depression and arguments that may occur within the family.  Even though the children have nothing to do with the situation that a parent may be facing- they seem to be the one that it is all taken out on many times. 

If it were not for “Friends of the Family“, some of these children would not have a clue that what they may be facing at home can be prevented.  They just have to be educated on it and know what to do if they are put in that situation.  The volunteers will do their best to explain to the children what “child abuse” actually is and then they will educate them (based on their grade level) about the different cycles that occurs with different types of abuse. 

They will stress to the children that they are NOT RESPONSIBLE for any kind of abuse.  I have found that is what is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome—being successful at making the child realized that they are NOT AT FAULT here…They want to tell them that they need to tell and talk to a trusted adult (they will give examples of those type people) who can help them with any of their questions or concerns.

Friends of the Family also have a Resource Center in the DHR building, which has a wonderful array of books.  I have used books MANY times with my girls in trying to prove a point, explain something to them or simply sharing how much they are loved –no matter what anyone else says…  You will also find DVD’s, pamphlets and other educational material in the Resource Center that focus on child development, abuse prevention, handling stress, ADHD and the list goes on and on…

As I said earlier in the post, the “Friends of the Family” program is on that is not only wonderful for the children to participate in but it is very much NEEDED in all of our schools in the city and county.  Even though it was started over 25 years ago- I have to say I believe it is needed even more today than it was many years ago when the volunteers began going into the schools. 

If you think this would be something that you would like to volunteer some of your free time to, please make plans on attending the “Training Session” on Thursday, September 7th at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Human Resources.  You  need to contact Jeanette Nixon (the School Program Coordinator) at 228-6215.    Please know, that just because you go to the “Training Session” and have lunch- does not mean that you are obligated to be a volunteer.  Like, I have always been told, “You never know about something until you hear all there is to know about it.” Ha!

If you would like more information on Friends of the Family- you can click here and find out more about this great program that we are so fortunate to have in our city and county schools. 

A “BIG” Thank You to my neighbor and friend, Mrs. Heath (some of you may know her as Barbara Jacobs prior to getting married…) who gave me so much great information.

Until tomorrow- I want to remind you about the following meeting  TODAY!!

Breast Cancer Survivor Group Meeting

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

5:15 p.m.

MMI -The Breast Center

Theme is “Fun in the Sun” with homemade ice-cream and picnic food.

Dr. Teresa Glass will be the guest speaker- speaking on how to protect your eyes in the sun.