Safe Families for Children Central Indiana preps for gala Oct. 6

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A host family involved with Safe Families for Children pauses with the children they hosted and their biological mother. Front, from left, Shane Whybrew, Jeremiah, Kaleb and Sadie. Rear, from left, Kris Whybrew, Jayce, Lily and Shanice Watkins. (Submitted photo)
A host family involved with Safe Families for Children pauses with the children they hosted and their biological mother. Front, from left, Shane Whybrew, Jeremiah, Kaleb and Sadie. Rear, from left, Kris Whybrew, Jayce, Lily and Shanice Watkins. (Submitted photo)

By Eric Kuznar

The nonprofit Safe Families for Children Central Indiana is holding its annual gala at 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at FORUM Conference and Events Center, 11313 USA Pkwy.

Beth Bishop, assistant director of Safe Families for Children Central Indiana, said the gala will raise money needed by the program to continue its services with the community.

Bishop said the main goals of the program are to keep families intact, keep kids out of the state’s child welfare system and prevent child abuse.

Bishop said Safe Families for Children works with families in crisis that voluntarily place their children with host families for an average of six weeks with no compensation to the host families.

“The parents typically come to us,” Bishop said. “The program is all voluntary. Parents choose to stay with our services and all of our host families voluntarily take kids in.”

Alison Hanscom, her husband Steve and their three children have hosted 20 kids in seven years as a host family.

“There is such a huge need,” Hanscom said. “We really feel like Jesus has called us. We just want to give them an opportunity to stay in our home and feel safe.”

Hanscom said her family will continue to be a host family and work with families in need.

According to Bishop, last year Safe Families for Children Central Indiana helped 276 kids and their families. The primary reason for children’s placement was lack of family support, which was the case 27 percent of the time.

Bishop said 97 percent of the time the child is successfully returned to their family or a biological relative.

Hors d’ oeuvres, dinner and a silent and live auction will be part of the gala.

Tickets are $75 or eight for $600 and can be purchased at safein16.auction-bid.org.

 


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