Raising money against domestic violence

The Giant Thrift Store sale was last weekend and the Candlelight Vigil is coming up Oct. 2, all in the name of domestic violence prevention.

The Family Support Council of Douglas County provides several events throughout the year to help pay for its many workshops and services, as well as to let the public know they're there to help, said FSC executive director Kelli Johnson.

This was FSC's second annual Giant Thrift Store sale and vendors were added, entertainment by Krista Jenkins and Mike Maloney, Indian tacos by Lou Vega from the Washoe Tribal Headquarters and a pony named Gizmo was provided by the Borges family to give rides to the children.

"Each year we try to increase the kinds of activities," said Johnson. "We hope to keep doing that every year. We had great music, great food, a diverse group of vendors, Gizmo pony rides and we cleared out lots of merchandise so we'll have lots of new merchandise coming in."

Johnson was thrilled with the exposure they got, although the one thing they were lacking was signing up of new volunteers. Not one person signed up. She wants to remind folks that volunteers at the thrift store can earn "thrift store bucks."

Also in October there will be a Costume Patch, providing costumes to choose and put together for Halloween, in conjunction with the local artists' Scarecrow Festival Oct. 7 in Minden Park.

On Nov. 18, Body Shop At Home will offer its second sale of beauty and spa products to benefit FSC at Carson Valley United Methodist Church.

"It's a great place for men to buy Christmas presents for women," said Johnson.

Before Christmas, FSC welcomes gifts such as gas vouchers, food vouchers and help with utility bills to help Valley families have a happier holiday season.

In March, FSC puts on its major fundraiser, Putting on the Ritz, an auction and formal dinner that it will be advertising soon for sponsors.

In April, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the organization has started sponsoring a domestic violence related activity as well as holding an open house for families. In 2007, Johnson said she looks forward to guest speaker Dr. Ann Cory, providing information as part of the activity.

FSC just had its first Western Shindig in August, and plans to hire more performers on a yearly basis for an annual concert.

Besides events, FSC presents "The Path of Parenting," a series of classes for expectant parents to parents of children up to teenagers. The following are a list of classes and workshops:

The Path of Parenting

n Healthy Beginnings Ð ongoing; offers a variety of information specific to the needs of the expectant mother and father

n Family to Family Ð ongoing; offers educational activities and opportunities for family connections for parents of children ages 0 up to age 4.

Parenting Classes

n Parenting Young Children for parents of children 0 to 5 - seven consecutive Wednesdays beginning Oct. 4

n Effective Parenting for parents of children 6 to 12 - seven consecutive Tuesdays beginning Oct. 3

n Surviving Your Teen for parents of teens - seven consecutive Thursdays beginning October 5th

n Parenting Wisely an interactive computer parenting program proven effective in improving discipline and family communication - call for current site location

Classes are free, but there's a $10 fee for materials. There is limited space for free childcare.

Parenting Workshops

n Parenting Through & After Divorce - Session II, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 26

n Financial Basics - 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 28

n The Developing Brain Ð ongoing, call for information

n Family stress management, one-on-one consultations are offered by appointment.

n Family Resource Center offers case management for basic needs such as medical, mental health, social services

n Case management, information and referral is available for seniors

n Assistance with paperwork for welfare, disability, energy assistance

n Information and referral for all needs

Domestic Violence

n 24-hour crisis line

n Crisis intervention counseling

n Court advocacy

n Abbey Crossing Ð a domestic violence shelter for women and children

n Information and referrals to community resources

n Community education, Violence in the Workplace, presentations for employers

Sexual Assault

n Crisis intervention counseling

n Court and hospital advocacy

n Support services for victims

Support Groups

n Women's support group - Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m.

n Relatives Raising Relatives - Last Friday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m.

n VEDO ÐVictims Educating Drug Offenders Ð gives victims the opportunity to share their story with first- and second- time drug-related offenders - news panelists welcome - third Monday each month 6-8 p.m.

Funding is provided by grants from Title XX, The Smallwood Foundation and Family-to-Family Connection. The Family Support Council is located at 1255 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville. For more information, call FSC at 782-8692.