Valentine's Sweets fund raiser and community awareness raising

Two teams of CHS-Parkersburg folks braved the elements on Friday February 11 and Saturday February 12th to have a table in front of the Foodland on Emerson Ave. selling home made Valentine's Treats, and recruiting volunteers, mentors and foster homes. These were both cold days to be outside, so those involved definitely showed their dedication to the mission and work of CHS-Parkersburg.

Youth Coffee House

Randi Marshall spearheaded a youth coffee house that was held at the Mid Town Family Resource Center on Saturday, February 12th. About 35 people attended this music event. Young musicians performed sets of songs for the audience; which was a mix of familiar and new faces. Randi has been inspired by the "adult" live music events we put on at the Mid Town FRC, and wanted to showcase local youth talent. Everything went off well, and so we look for additional shows to be set up.

Family Night

A monthly Family Night was held last Thursday at the Mid Town Family Resource Center. Home made soups were the main course, and folks really enjoyed them, due to the cold weather, as winter drags on. A good mix of "tried and true" neighborhood families and some of the newer folks created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. For the parent activity, we had Jodi Smith of WVU Extension lead a discussion on bullying. There was good interaction around this topic of high interest. The children made Valentine's goodies, for the families, and for a couple of events coming up around the holidays.

Valentine's candy and treats

The two Lisa's and their respective programs, are having a Valentine's candy (and other sweets) sale tomorrow and Saturday in front of the Foodland on Emerson mid day (10- 2 ish). For LDP this is a second annual; they will be creating the goodies today (and probably tomorrow!) and raising a little money and awarenss for our work. This engages the youth participants in our programs in outreach, too.

Life Skills Session on Domestic Violence; staying safe

LDP hosted Ann Pifer, from the Family Crisis Intervention Center Monday for a life skills session with young people associated with our Transitional Living Program, and others connected to the Mid Town Family Resource Center. These on going sessions helping with life skills, have had a focus on healthy relationships lately, and this session was well received by the youth. We very much appreciate Ann coming to do this with us.

Civic Dialogue on Youth and Violence

LDP and I took 5 youth from our neighborhood and Transitional Living program out to Pressley Ridge School for a deliberative discussion on the topic of Youth and Violence, facilitated by Jean Ambrose a long time friend of mine, who I greatly admire for her work with "issues forums." 5-6 youth from Pressley Ridge, several staff members and our crew held a conversation on the topic for about 2 hours. Everyone's voice was heard; everyone practiced listening to another's point of view, and some areas of concensus were found, and some new ideas were taken in. Thanks to Tim Bauman for hosting us, and for Jean's facilitation, and thanks mostly to the youth who took the time to practice and participate in their civic life!!!

Book and Record Sale held today

Lisa and I pronounced the Book and Record Sale held today at the Mid Town Family Resource Center a success; both based on raising over $750, and the good conversations and engagement we made with community members about what we do here. We had a little "friendly competition" between the vinyl record sales and the book sales, but both benefit the Mid Town Family Resource Center. I'll let Lisa say which side won!!! Thanks to all the people who donated books, got the word out, came to the sale, and helped with the organizing and collecting/ sorting books and such.