We are not even to the end of September and there are currently 49 children on the waiting list for PNO (Parents Night Out) for October….43 of them for Center Pointe (Oct 20). WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Respite is vitally important for these families and children and is a proven strategy that strengthens families, protects family health and well-being, allows children to remain in their homes, reduces the risk of abuse and neglect and helps keep families stable. We know, through stories of our current Pause families, that having that Parent’s Night Out date on the calendar sometimes is the only thing that gets them through the month.
WE HAVE NEVER had enrollment this high in October nor did any kind of marketing take place to cause these numbers to rise. Families are finding us virtually through word of mouth and we are experiencing another hyper growth. This is AMAZING news, but we have our work cut out for us!
We would love to challenge each of you to help us recruit 3 new volunteers to Pause, share this email with your contacts and register to serve yourself! This would ensure that every single one of these kids had a buddy for October, but also will give us the room we need to add more children who we expect to register in the next couple of weeks. Think mom groups, church small groups, neighbors, sports groups, employers, families wanting to serve together. An event runs from 5p-8:30. Giving 3.5 hours in October or joining our team to serve on a longer term basis is LIFE CHANGING to families, but also to those who serve….they have told us themselves!
Requirements to volunteer:
· Ages 13 and up (unless accompanied by a parent)
· Completed Pause Volunteer Application (attached)
· Completed Student Pledge (ages 10-college)
· Clear background check for anyone 18 years old and up (no cost to volunteer)
· Completed volunteer training (can be completed several ways….as a group where we come to them or an hour before the Center Pointe event)
All individuals who are interested will need to register using the link below. Once on the Volunteer page, they can click the events they are interested in. They also can find more information on being a Pause volunteer as well as event times and locations.
It is my personal mission to get every child off of our waiting list and give these parents a much deserved and needed break. I have seen first-hand what 3 hours of our time can do long term for the families we serve. Our community is amazing and I KNOW will fill the gap - let’s do this!!
Lisa McCoon
Pause Program Director
Butler County Family & Children First Council
Strong Families, Safe Communities
400 North Erie Blvd. Suite A | Hamilton, OH 45011
513.887.5506 w | 513.885.7786 c | 513.887.2709 f
Follow us on Facebook or visit our website at www.butlerfcfc.org
Please note: This message and any response to it may constitute a public record and thus be publicly available to anyone who requests it.