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Recent financial stresses weigh on many Utah families, and the effects can sometimes endanger children. Before abuse or neglect become issues, we found a service in Utah that could help families Stay Safe.
The pressures of budget, gas prices and unreliable child care almost pushed a single mother down a destructive path.
"I would feel physical aggression. I would want to be physically aggressive," Nicole Halm said. "I almost had a nervous breakdown. I had no one to watch Brandon."
When she learned about the Family Support Center's Crisis Nursery, she says she once again found joy in being a parent.
"It's a deterrent to child abuse, helps you take a deep breath before you do something crazy," Halm said.
Crisis nurseries in Sugar House and Midvale offer free emergency child care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to those who need help or just need a break.
"When people are stressed, they will lash out, often against those closest to them. And kids are often the ones hurt," said Bonnie Peters, executive director of the Family Support Center.
These centers not only see an influx of families needing child care, but also the simple necessities. "When they're picking kids up, [they] ask for diapers, Tylenol, whatever. They're asking for basic supplies. That's a lot different than it used to be," Peters said.
They hope to raise awareness and lower the stigma of asking for help, so they can strengthen families like Halm's.
"This is a good point in my life. Every day I say thank you a thousand times. And I feel like the richest woman in the world when I put food in his mouth and see him smile," Halm said.
Later this month, another Crisis Nursery opens in West Valley City.
For more information and for services like this statewide, click the related link to the right of the story.
E-mail: dwimmer@ksl.com
