NEWS

Kathy Arnold, Director of the RCI’s Relative Caregiver Program and Bonnie Simmons of GSW’s School of Nursing recently attended the annual meeting of Georgia’s Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program in Peachtree City. Arnold and Simmons took part in several training sessions and were honored with a 10-year Service Award for their “dedicated service to Georgia’s children and families.”

The Promoting Safe and Stable Families training was part of a busy spring for the Relative Caregivers Program. In the April support group sessions, program members could participate in one of three educational opportunities. The adults received training on “Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention.” The teenagers learned about the “Realities of Being a Teen Parent”, and also about “Preparing for College.” The children took part in an exercise called “Resolving Conflict.” Also, during the April session, the two graduating seniors in the program were recognized with a cake and graduation gifts. See photos from the April sessions.

The Relative Caregiver Program held an outing for the teenagers in April and has an adult outing planned for May. The teens attended at GSW baseball game on April 26. Although the Hurricanes were defeated by the Columbus State team, the teenagers and caregivers had a great time at the ball game. On May 10, the adult caregivers will receive thanks and recognition at a brunch to be held at Ryan’s Grill and Buffet.

The Relative Caregiver Program wants to extend special thanks to the GSW Nursing School students who volunteered during the past year. Students conducted educational sessions for support groups, tutored during homework help, and assisted the program in many other ways. We want to recognize GSW student Shanna Queenie, who designed a board game based on WWE Wrestling to help one of our students with his math skills.