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 About Families In Touch
WHAT IS FAMILIES IN TOUCH?
Begun
as Teen Moms in 1987, FAMILIES IN TOUCH is a support ministry to young mothers, their children and families. To date we have served over 423 moms, 490 children, and 300 male and female friends or family members in a variety of ways.
Eileen Petersen
Executive Director
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Our programming centers around the support group that meets each Monday night during the school year at the First Baptist Church of Waukegan. Transportation and childcare are provided. We have a summer program that includes a camp experience as well as other summer activities.
Parenting Skills, Life Skills, and Spiritual Development are the foundation of our program. We hope to assist the young parent in how to parent his or her child recognizing that the parent, many times, is still a child. Emphasis is on the importance of early childhood bonding, healthy emotional and mental development as well as physical and spiritual development.
As the children of the teen moms have grown up, we wanted to provide positive experiences so that they do not repeat the cycle of teen pregnancy. We started a youth club program which culminates in a camping experience for these kids and others who would not otherwise be able to have a camping experience. This club meets throughout the spring months to encourage, support and instill Christian principles and morals into the lives of these young people.
Sharon Allard
Director's Assistant
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The population we serve, drawn largely from the African-American and Latino communities of Waukegan, North Chicago and Zion, often receiving public assistance, faces many challenges because of the complexity of factors that impact their lives. We are desirous of giving the women and their families a window of hope, a friend to give them courage, and a place where they feel supported and encouraged. We cannot always change their circumstances, but we can point them to a loving God who can give them the strength and peace to sustain them on the road to responsible adulthood.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded
by donations from individuals, churches, and organizations locally as well as out of the state. We have one
full-time staff person, Donna Speer, three part-time staff, and a host of volunteers who serve
as childcare workers, leaders in the meetings, counselors, and helpers in
fundraising projects. Our board of directors consists of six members from the immediate
communities. A list of Board Directors and a financial statement are available on request.
We rely on individuals and organizations who believe in what
we are doing. We especially ask for your support in prayer and
in volunteering your time to help. In addition, your tax-deductible
contributions are welcome. This is a partnership in which many
are involved at various levels to make this ministry happen.
THANKS TO ALL.
For further information, please call (847) 244-8306.
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