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CRAFT FAIR TO BENEFIT PROGRAM FOR TEEN PARENTS TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 15th

Bright Beginnings, a ministry for teen parents through Salem Fields Community Church, is hosting a craft fair to benefit the Program for Teen Parents, a program of the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB). The craft fair is Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Massaponax High School (located at 8201 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg). Admission is free.
All proceeds from the purchase of vendor spaces benefit the Childcare Assistance Fund, which enables teen parents to finish high school by supplementing the cost of daycare. Last year 21 students benefited from the Childcare Assistance Fund.

According to Parent Educator, Joan Gillis, “Supporting the Childcare Assistance Fund is a great cause. We’re trying to give our parenting teenagers every opportunity to finish high school and to become great parents.”

For more than 15 years, the Program for Teen Parents has provided school and home-based education and support for pregnant and parenting teenagers in Spotsylvania County. Their mission is to facilitate healthier pregnancies, healthier babies, and nurturing relationships between parent and child. The program assists teens prior to the birth of their child and offers continued support until the child is three years old. Parent Educators offer educational groups, infant massage classes, and Lamaze classes. There is no charge for the programs. A total of 121 teen parents from Spotsylvania County benefited from the Program for Teen Parents in fiscal year 2008 (July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008).
For craft fair registration information, or to learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us. Or, contact Joan Gillis (540-582-3980 or jgillis@racsb.state.va.us) or Karey Spears (540-846-6490 or bbcraftshow@yahoo.com).

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides mental health, mental retardation, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. RACSB operates six outpatient clinics which provide individual, group and family therapy; specialized counseling and case management services; psychological assessment; 24-hour crisis intervention; and medication management services. RACSB operates eight mental retardation group homes providing 24-hour intensive and structured support. RACSB also offers mental health day support and residential services. The Parent-Education – Infant Development Program provides physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as special education and service coordination to infants and toddlers with developmental delays.

Programs of RACSB include Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., Project LINK, DARE To Be You – Rappahannock Area, Program for Teen Parents, Rappahannock Area Kids on the Block, and Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.