Coalition launches outreach program

Bi-Stone Early Childhood Coalition members met in Mexia for the group's first planning session Thursday, Feb. 27.

"I thought it was a great success for a first meeting, and I'm really encouraged and excited about our plans," said Katy Andrews, outreach coordinator for the Bi-Stone Family Resource Center that is sponsoring the monthly meetings targeting families with children. The resource center is a division of Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services.

Andrews said 22 people representing a variety of professionals such as health care advocates, school district counselors, community organizers and others who are involved in social work with families and children attended the meeting at the Event Center on Commerce Street. Lunch was served during the 90-minute meeting.

The group will be able to reach out to large sections of the communities in Limestone and Freestone Counties that include children under 6 because of the diversity of the professionals involved, Andrews noted.

Andrews said the group discussed issues facing families with children and ways to reach out to them. One of the goals will be to encourage family outings and other practices that keeps kids in the company of their parents and siblings, she said.

The coalition is hoping the monthly meetings will grow in attendance, and that parents will attend to lend their voices, Andrews said. Everyone is welcome, she added.

"We will be discussing what our biggest areas of need are and who are the best people to be involved in that conversation," Andrews said. "Our program is aimed towards making Limestone and Freestone Counties a better place to raise families, supporting caregivers that have at least one child under the age of 6."

The meeting will be Thursday, March 27, Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Event Center at 304 E. Commerce St. Anyone wanting to attend should RSVP because complimentary lunch will be served.

Call 254-237-6318 or email katy.andrews@pchas.org to make a reservation.