Alison Nwafor and Allie Zook from the St. Francis Ministries “Christmas Is For Kids” were guest speakers at the Celebration of Optimist on December 8 at the Hampton Inn in Junction City. Alison is the Reintegration Supervisor and Allie is the Family Support Worker.
St. Francis Ministries have programs that help survivors of child sex trafficking, adults with disabilities, people wanting to break addictive behaviors and families trying to stay together. Their organization is an independent, faith-based nonprofit organization that has been helping children and families since 1945. Alison explained that she and others “actively seek counseling, schooling and health care for the children and counseling, parenting training and other needs not being met for parents”.
Allie told the Optimist Club members that she works primarily with the Dickinson County Team on placements, appointments, and transportation. Courts are involved and the expectations are that the parent or both parents seek and successfully complete counseling about the use of illegal drugs, domestic violence, parenting and other issues which must be addressed before child who is removed from the home may be returned. “
Allie also stated that “the range of ages for children who are removed temporarily or permanently from the home range from birth to 18. The number one reason for a child to be removed from the home in Geary County is parent’s drug abuse and mental instability. In Dickinson County it is the child’s behavior.”
When asked what the greatest need is to help with their work, Alison said “it is for more foster parents. It is especially difficult to place teens – especially those with behavioral issues.”
The JC Breakfast Optimist Club donated $200.00 to the “Christmas Is For Kids” program to purchase Christmas gifts for children or for children to give to their parents. Contributions to the St. Francis Ministries may be made by contacting the Junction City office at 785-210-1000.