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November 18, 2009 www.ourfamilyservices.org
 
Attend elder-care mediation training
 
As the population of Southern Arizona gets older, more families are facing tough decisions about their loved ones' living arrangements, safety, finances, medical care and guardianship.
 
Our Family's Community Mediation program, which for more than 30 years has provided free or low-cost mediations for a variety of community, family, workplace and personal conflicts, is starting up a specialized elder-care mediation program in 2010. In these mediations, specially trained volunteer mediators create a safe, neutral space where multiple viewpoints can be heard, using a cooperative process to strengthen families facing life decisions brought on by aging.
 
To kick off this effort, Our Family is hosting an Elder-Care Mediation Training in February 2010. The training will be held 1 p.m. to  5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19 and 20. (Location to be announced.)
 
This is an advanced mediation training. Participants should have basic training and/or experience in mediation. The training will address such issues as family dynamics that impair communication, the aging process and its possible impact on mediation, legal and financial issues, and ways to accommodate cognitive impairment or other challenges.
 
Continental breakfast, deli lunch and snacks, as well as all training materials, will be provided. Cost is $400, or $350 for government and nonprofits. To get a $50 discount, send registration and payment by Friday, January 15, 2010.
 
Contact Victor Quiros at 323-1708 x 121.
 Gift TreeCalling all elves! Our Gift Tree needs you  
 
For more than 20 years, Our Family's Holiday Gift Tree has helped clients of our programs who were in need of a little extra assistance during the holidays.

Take a name and wish list of a child or homeless teen off the tree in our lobby at 3830 E. Bellevue, or call and they can be sent to you. You may also donate gift cards to help our homebound seniors purchase food and necessities, or make an online donation specifically designated toward the Holiday Gift Tree project. 
 
If your service club or business is planning a holiday charity drive or giving program this year, please think of Our Family's clients, many of whom are struggling harder than ever just to get by. You might also consider conducting a drive of diapers, basic hygiene supplies, or adult incontinence supplies.
 
For information about the 2009 Holiday Gift Tree, please contact Janeen Delgado at 323-1708 x 105.
 
 Second Chance tattoo removal program 
 
Is your tattoo holding you back in life?
 
Get visible gang- or prison-related tattoos removed by laser for FREE by doing at least 20 hours of volunteer work in your community. Program is open to men and women ages 13-30, and space is limited.
 
Tattoos must be no larger than the size of your palm. Contact 323-1708 x 149 for details.
 
 Ockham's RazorMovie screening to benefit
 Teens in Transition 
 
Catch the return engagement of local filmmaker Jeremy A. Harkin's debut film, "Ockham's Razor," at The Loft Cinema -- 7 p.m. Nov. 18.
 
The event, a benefit for Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless and Our Family's Teens in Transition program, will feature live music by local musician Johnny Ash before the movie, the new short film "Country Love," and a post-film Q&A with the cast and crew.
 
General admission $7; students and Loft members $5.
 
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