Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack is encouraging local residents to take part in the national observance of family.
City officials and staff and supporters of the Family First Resource Center, formerly known as the Healthy Marriage Program, took part in a proclamation ceremony where Mack declared the week of Nov. 22-26 National Family Week in the City of Laurel.
National Family Week was first promoted in 1969 by Sam Wiley, an Indianapolis, Ind., teacher and school administrator, as a means to promote strong families.
The Alliance for Children and Families, a national membership organization headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., has coordinated and promoted National Family Week throughout the country for nearly 40 years.
The work of the Alliance for Children and Families and the Annie E. Casey Foundation — a private charitable organization dedicated to helping build better futures for children in the United States, in pursuing local events that link non-profit organizations, businesses, governmental entities, education groups, and families — has garnered the attention of local, state and national policy makers and media and resulted in improved circumstances for children and families in local communities.
Mack said National Family Week embodies the premise that children live better lives when their families are strong. He said families are strong when they live in communities that connect them to economic opportunities, social networks and services.
Mack is also urging all citizens “to join me in seeking ways to strengthen our families and in honoring those who strengthen our community through meaningful advocacy for the work with local families.”
Thousands of people throughout the United States are expected to celebrate healthy families and communities during the annual National Family Week, which takes place during Thanksgiving week.
Supporters said National Family Week is a wonderful time to build connections that support and strengthen families year-round. Promoters said these connections make better lives for families and result in changes that improve communities.
Some simple suggestions of how people can participate include:
• Get involved in local National Family Week activities.
• Meet and get to know your neighbors.
• Plan a neighborhood supper.
• Select an issue that can improve your community. Work with local officials to effect change.
• Organize or participate in a school meeting about improving your child’s education.
• Write a thank-you note to someone who helps your family.
• Encourage employers to consider family-friendly work options such as flexible hours and time off to attend school functions.
• Volunteer with a nonprofit organization on projects that benefit your community.
The Family First Resource Center, which is located on Oak Street in Laurel, has a variety of programs available to residents. Some of their services include abstinence education and mentoring in local schools; parenting classes with preference to the Department of Human Services’ referred and court ordered clients; relationship training and marriage education; and responsible fatherhood workshops.
The Family Resource Center serves people in Jones, Clarke, Covington, Jasper, Smith and Wayne counties.
Officials said all of the center’s services are free to the public. Anyone wanting more information can call 601-425-4035 or 601-425-2063.
Local News
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