North
Logan center gives parents a hand through stressful
moments
By Ann Passey
December 13, 2004 | NORTH LOGAN -- Free
babysitting is a mother's dream. The Child and Family
Support Center in North Logan can make this dream come
true.
The center provides services to children and their
parents from Cache and Rich counties. The center provides
a variety of different services, said Program Coordinator
Esterlee Molyneux.
"We are a shelter for children who have been removed
from their homes by the court," said Molyneux. "But
we also are here to help parents who are in crisis,
or may just need some free time."
For instance, last week a mother went to the restroom
and left her children alone in the kitchen. When she
came back into the kitchen her children had taken all
the eggs out of the fridge and cracked them on the kitchen
floor.
"The mother just needed some time to herself to clean
up the mess," said Molyneux. "She brought her children
down and we took care of them here in the nursery."
They hope that parents recognize their limits, said
Molyneux. "We'd much rather see parents come in and
take a break from their kids, as opposed to saying or
doing something they may later regret."
Parents can also have regularly scheduled hours that
they drop their children off at the nursery. They simply
need to set up a time to go in and fill out some initial
paperwork with the center and set up a time to drop
off their children. This takes about an hour and can
be done by calling 752-8880.
"If your arranged hours are from 4 to 9 on Friday
night, you just drop off your kids and go do whatever
you want to do," said Molyneux. "The services are completely
confidential."
The center also takes in children who may come to
the center with only the clothes on their back. Many
of these children stay with the center until they are
placed in foster care, or until the court will allow
them to return home, said Molyneux.
Last year the center provided care to over 554 children.
Many of these children were in need of clothing, school
supplies and toiletries while they stayed at the center.
In an effort to supply these children with the things
they need, the center has set up a wishing tree. "There
are ornaments on the tree with things that the center
needs," said Molyneux. "People can pick an ornament
off the tree and then provide the item listed on the
ornament."
Wishes of the center vary from Barbie dolls to toilet
paper. "We're here because of the support of the community,"
said Molyneux. "If people know of a place we can put
our tree, we are more than happy to take it anywhere."
If people are interested in making a wish come true
they can pick up an ornament at the center which is
located at 380 W. 1400 North, or by calling 752-8880.
"Our community has been so gracious and so giving
in past," said Molyneux. "We hope it continues."
NW MK |
