First Presbyterian Church

Family Crisis Center Provides Program for Presbyterian Women

At their September Gathering, nineteen members of PW were brought up to date about the work and needs of the Family Crisis Center in Great Bend.

Donna Baugh, an outreach advocate for the center, explained that although the shelter in Great Bend which they provide for battered and abused families is an important part of their service, they also provide much more.

Prevention of domestic violence is an important part of their goal and she told of her programs at the elementary schools,

where she hopes to plant the seed in the minds of children who see violence and other types of abuse in their homes that they each have the power to change that cycle for their own lives as they grow older.

Their service encompasses nine counties in addition to Barton and provides the following, all at no cost to the clients. 

• support groups
• children's programs
• advocacy in the areas of courts and criminal justice, medical needs, social services, and personal issues
• job training
• life skills
• community referrals
• community education

Donna stressed that though they receive some state and local aid and grant funding, it is often earmarked for specific things.

The Center always appreciates the giving it receives from individuals and local organizations in the form of usable items it can pass on the families in need of starting over and monetary gifts that can be used for emergencies.

They also have various areas where they depend on community volunteers.

An outreach advocate for the Family Crisis Center in Great Bend (standing) poses with members of PW before speaking at their September gathering.

Presbyterian Women enjoy refreshments during their September Gathering.