Blog, Press Releases

Families to enjoy games, food, but also to celebrate achieving security, stability

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2015) – The  Family Stabilization Program of Family & Children’s Place is hosting program participants – children and families – at a holiday party from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 18, at St. Vincent de Paul, 1015-C, S. Preston St., Louisville, Ky. 40203.

The party is for families – mothers and fathers overcoming homelessness, with the help of intensive casework and support to give their children a safe, stable and secure home. Members of FSP’s Advisory Council, program participants themselves, are putting on the party.

“Homelessness has been shown to have a profound impact on children’s health and education, as well as parent’s abilities to find a job, and stay employed,” said Jennifer Clark, FSP program director. “Homeless children also have twice the rate of emotional and behavioral issues, including anxiety, depression and withdrawal, so we are very proud of our families’ achievements and want to celebrate with them.”

Up to 100 people will enjoy a chicken dinner, activity stations with games such as “Pin the nose on Rudolph,” a visit from Santa Claus and other fun and games. The party is a great opportunity for people who have been homeless, but through help and their own energies are resettling and re-establishing promising, successful lives, to come together in a community setting to celebrate their accomplishments and the holidays.

The families became homeless for many reasons – domestic violence, medical crises, emotional or mental health issues, substance abuse and addition or resettling from a state institution, which can make it hard to get or keep a job.

Case managers provide direct service and referral help on issues such as financial literacy, job interview-skills building, domestic violence safety planning, parenting support and positive youth activities, and participants now are taking ownership of their own futures, and their stories are nothing short of amazing.

“We are very excited and look forward to the holiday party with the children and families and celebrating their inspiring and powerful stories,” said Clark.

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Family & Children’s Place works to protect Kentuckiana children, families and communities from abuse, neglect and exploitation and, through research-based, trauma-informed services, help them heal. The organization has supported families for more than 127 years and today serves approximately 5,000 children and families annually. For more information about Family and Children’s Place, visit www.famchildplace.org or call 502-893-3900.