September 11, 2012

Printable Flyer

Fredericksburg, Virginia - YoungLives, a branch of the ministry of Young Life that mentors and supports teen moms in our community, 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 10, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Riverbend High School (located at 12301 Spotswood Furnace Road, 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, a dozen students benefited from the Childcare Assistance Fund.

According to Parent Educator, Joan Gillis, “We were able to help 60 parenting teenagers graduate from high school or obtain their GED this past spring. Many would not have been able to do it without the support of the Childcare Assistance Fund. The fund helps our parenting teenagers with their childcare expenses so they can focus on school, obtain their diplomas, and provide a better future for their children.”

For nearly 20 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 81 teen parents from Spotsylvania County benefited from the Program for Teen Parents in fiscal year 2012 (July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012).

For craft fair registration information, or to learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us. Or, contact Karey Spears (540-846-6490 or ptpcraftshow@gmail.com). To learn more about how you can support the Program for Teen Parents, please contact Joan Gillis (540-375-3337, ext. 5 or jgillis@racsb.state.va.us).

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, intellectual disability, 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 11 group homes for adults with intellectual disability providing 24-hour intensive and structured support. RACSB also offers mental health day support, residential services, and crisis stabilization The Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness & Recovery. The Parent-Education – Infant Development Program provides developmental, physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as service coordination to infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Programs of RACSB include Kenmore Club, Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., Project LINK, Program for Teen Parents, Rappahannock Area Kids on the Block, DARE To Be You – Rappahannock Area, Second Step, Too Good for Drugs, and Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.

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