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Jill Atwood reportingThe story last week about a 4 year old boy accidentally shooting his 3 year old brother while their mother slept is reminder to all of us that sometimes parents need a little extra help.
That help can be as simple as a safe place for kids to stay temporarily while parents re-group at home.
I'm standing in front of the family support center..also known as the crisis nursery...they'll take your kids up to 72 hours if you have no other place to turn....
Tucked away on this quiet, dead end street is an oasis for parents thirsty for any type of break. Inside a little boy knows there's some kind of trouble at home, but for now he's happy with his train. His little sister is having a tougher time understanding why she's here..but somewhere her mom knows she's safe and taken care of.
Anna Munoz/House Parent: "SOMETIMES THEY COME IN AND YOU TELL THEY ARE KIND OF IN SHOCK FOR SOME OF THE SITUATIONS THEY HAVE BEEN IN."
This is the family support center. Parents in crisis can bring their kids here to get them out of a bad situation..whatever it may be....temporarily.
Bonnie Peters/Family Support Center: "I THINK WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT ALL OF US ARE JUST AN INCH AWAY FROM MAYBE GOING OVER THE EDGE WITH ALL OF THE STRESSERS GOING ON IN SOCIETY TODAY..IT'S HARD..ITS HARD TO COPE."
Aside from emergency daycare, the center also provides classes and therapy for both the children and their parents
"NOBODY HAS EVER BEEN A PERFECT PARENT THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY AND THERE NEVER WILL BE ANY....AND THERE IS A WHOLE LOT OF INFORMATION OUT THERE THAT WE LIKE TO GIVE THEM..NO BLAME, NO YOU SHOULD DO THIS AND YOU SHOULD DO THIS..HEY WE'RE HERE TO HELP."
The next step is as simple as asking for it.
And just an example of some of the classes offered here..parenting classes, mental health counseling, career counseling and the list goes on.
Really if you need some help.these folks would love to provide it..the family support center is listed in the phonebook..or check out their website at familysupportcenter.org.
