Extol Magazine Celebrating Southern Indiana is a local publication that covers stories about businesses people places or events throughout the cities of New Albany Jeffersonville Clarksville Sellersburg and Louisville KY
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EXAMPLE HAPPILY SPONSORED BY How did you initially get involved with Family Ark? From my experiences, I knew that in order to achieve greater outcomes, I needed to be involved on the front end of services. I strongly believe that it is in the best interest of children – when done safely – to preserve their belonging and connection to their family of origin. In order to help kids, we need to help their families. Indiana was one of the frst states to participate in the Child Welfare Demonstration Project (Title IV-E Waiver) and has a federal child welfare-funding waiver that allows it to implement innovative and evidence based strategies. Tis attracted me to Indiana, and to Family Ark. Te waiver provides the funds to exercise best practices, while keeping the family intact. Tese interventions are designed to improve outcomes for children and families – family preservation; trauma informed care; kinship supports, and parenting education - safely reducing the need for foster care. What are some examples of human service programs provided by Family Ark? Our foster care program involves caring adults who make positive changes in the lives of children who have experienced neglect, abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, or trauma. Foster parents provide a safe, stable home environment. Our home based services preserve, support, and stabilize families in crisis, while creating healthy, nurturing relationships. Te goal of family preservation is to prevent a child from being removed from the home when possible. Recently, we started a program that provides on campus activities for youth ages 12-18. Opened in December, Family Ark's Day Reporting and Treatment Programs (DRTP) provide an alternative to juvenile detention. Te program includes education planning; life skills training; community service projects; recreational activities; evidence based treatment; and family involvement. FAMILY ARK 101 Noah's Lane, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 thefamilyark.org | 812.288.6800 Mission: To provide quality human service programs, which promote positive change in the lives of children and families in the communities we serve. Wish List: New or gently used clothing; school supplies; backpacks; duffe bags; toys/games; non-perishable food items; cleaning supplies; books; diapers; home goods. Monetary donations are also accepted. What is your definition of a healthy community? A healthy community is one that provides resources, education, and support for children and families in need… investing in its people… providing preventative services… and resources that empower and enrich… providing opportunities for connection. Does Family Ark partner with other organizations? We are currently partnering with Purdue Extension to provide meaningful outdoor experiences to at-risk youth from our DRTP and foster programs. Utilizing our wonderful 83-acre campus… children learn new life skills, and an appreciation for the outdoors. Trough a grant from the Department of Child Services, we partner with St. Elizabeth's and Center for Women and Families with programs designed to prevent child abuse. How can people help Family Ark? We can always use help managing the grounds - refreshing our playground or fowerbeds. Volunteer opportunities include providing childcare during foster parent training or youth tutoring. We always need able, caring adults to be foster parents. Our foster parents run the gambit from younger adults to those who are empty nesters and have already raised children. Unrestricted monetary donations can help with operational costs. In April, we have our annual fundraising event – a great way to contribute, while learning more about Family Ark's programs. 13