Family Support Council part of the community

Kristie Traver is ready to roll up her sleeves for her new job as the executive director of the Family Support Council of Douglas County.

"I was involved with fundraising for 10 years," Traver said. "Now I'll have an opportunity for more hands-on work."

Traver, 35, was development director at the Boys & Girls Club of Carson City for the last three years, which means fundraising. She sees her new job as director as a chance to work more with the people for whom she's raised funds.

"Beyond grants and holding special events, the other part of the job is to step forward and provide services. There are no homeless here because we have social services that make sure people aren't on the street."

Traver said her work with the Boys & Girls Club and the United Way are what prepared her for the Family Support Council directorship. She said the size of this agency will make it easier to recognize and fill any gaps of service.

"This job is not about what I'll gain but what I can give back."

Traver said because of the agency's history of dealing with domestic abuse issues people might be under the impression the Family Support Council only covers court referrals.

"We have a shelter but we also deal with basic needs," she said. "A lot of times people with financial hardships will come here. We help with immediate needs and then help them to help themselves so it's not a constant revolving door. Our purpose is to support families."

Traver said the community should feel comfortable looking for assistance at the Family Support Council.

"There's so much this agency does and it changes all the time. We're seeing men as well as women, and more seniors, as victims of domestic violence," Traver said. "It's not just about women's issues - it's about families and helping them stay violence-free."

Classes and support groups include parenting workshops on the importance of reading with children, helping families through divorce, budgeting finances, dealing with family stress and sexual abuse and victims educating drug offenders.

The Family Support Council holds weekly classes on effective parenting of babies to teenagers.

"People in the community like moms take toddler classes to develop a support system," Traver said.

"Other families are a resource for information and parents need to know they're not alone when they have a kid with the 'terrible 2s' or when they have teenagers. Here they have the capability to connect with other parents to find tools and resources to navigate each age of childhood successfully."

Family Support Council is a nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers and volunteers with a variety of skills are always needed. Volunteers set their own hours.

"If you can answer the phone in a professional manner or organize your home, you have skills," she said. "Come in with what you're interested in. It's rewarding for people who want to feel good about what they're doing.

"Volunteerism is alive and well in this community. One agency can't change family violence - it takes an entire community to change. Douglas County has that interest and will make it happen."

Preregistration is required for classes and evening workshops. Free on-site baby-sitting is available during classes.

The Family Support Council is at 1255 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, 782-8692.