Once again this year, Rome's Downtown Development Authority is asking the Exchange Club of Rome to protect the children during the annual Downtown Trick or Treat on Monday, October 31.

Exchangites will be crossing guards at several intersections and crosswalks to insure the thousands of children make it across Broad and the side streets safely.

This is the last in a series of articles that outlines how a family served by the Family Resource Center was served. In the first two articles, we shared information about a young family and their infant. Over our 8 months of service, the family has grown from feeling so overwhelmed that twice weekly visits were needed to feeling less stressed. Parents have learned how to cope with a crying infant, developed more realistic expectations for themselves and their infant, strengthened their budgeting and money management skills, and navigated through a significant life stress of Dad losing his job. They've put new information into practice into their everyday life. The family trusts their Parent Aide and mom especially calls on her when she has a question or feels overwhelmed. Having this support is important as statistics show that infant children are at high risk when primary caregivers feel alone and overwhelmed.



It is time to begin working for case closure. However, as we move toward this goal, we notice an increase in tension in the home. Mom is concerned that they are on the brink of divorce, Dad feels alone, and the couple is frequently arguing. Though our Parent Aides are not counselors, their Parent Aide was able to help parents identify the ups and downs of marriage, referred them to low cost counseling resources, and helped them identify ways to maneuver through this season. Our Parent Aide also helped the family identify and connect to other community resources---daycare/preschool options, education/job training for Mom (for Mom to be more employable and reduce some of the financial strain in the family, she needs additional training), and positive support systems (e.g. church or MOPS groups). This couple weathered the storm in their marriage and they continue to do well. We were soon able to celebrate their success and closed their case after 10 months of service.



How do these services impact the most important player in this story, the child? His parents better understand child development, have more realistic expectations, are talking with him and reading to him and spending more time with him, have improved their communication with each other, have decreased tension/arguing in their home, have identified healthy support systems, and are better equipped to weather financial challenges. The risk of this child experiencing abuse/neglect has been greatly decreased and his parents have the skills to help him thrive.



The family is stronger---and it is because of YOUR support! Thanks Exchange!

Tina

A nominating committee has been established by the Coosa Valley Fair Association for the purpose of presenting a slate of Directors at a special meeting to be held at the conclusion of the Exchange Club business meeting on November 4, 2016.  Those elected will assume office on January 1, 2017.

The committee is comprised of Past Presidents Jackie Moreland, Chair, Bill Irmscher, member, and Ted Noe, member.



All members of the Exchange Club of Rome are members of the Coosa Valley Fair Association.  Members may submit names for consideration to any member of the committee.

John Garner

President