WARSAW — At its Feb. 18 meeting, Altrusa International of Warsaw’s members learned about the new Strengthening Families program now offered through the Kosciusko Cares organization. Mandy Bailey, a WCHS counselor and Strengthening Families Coordinator, shared the program is a 14 session family skill-building program that includes both parents and children. Parents and children learn skills and practice those skills during the sessions. The first 14 week session ended recently and a new one begins in March.

The referral-based program is designed to educate parents about the importance of positive parental behavior and their role in being the role model, guide and monitor as their child develops values and chooses their own behaviors and life paths. A typical family session includes a mealtime and separate classes in which parents and children (elementary and teens) meet in groups with their peers to learn parenting and social skills. Parents and children then practice together the skills they have learned in their separate sessions. The sessions are fun and feature creative interactive activities. Transportation and childcare for young children are provided.

The sessions will take place at 6 p.m. Monday evenings beginning March 7, at the First United Methodist Church Connections, 1692 W. Lake St., in Warsaw.

Bailey asked the Altrusans to assist the program by providing one dinner during the 14-week period. Members agreed to provide a meal in early May.

Altrusans are preparing for the District Six (Indiana, Illinois and Michigan) Annual Conference to be held April 15-17 in Carmel. Members also recently assisted the Beaman Home putting together domestic violence informational packets to be delivered soon to law enforcement and first responders.

Individuals interested in learning more about Altrusa or serving our community may visit the website, Facebook/Altrusa-Warsaw, IN, or contact the club at [email protected].