Athens County Children Services reopened its Nelsonville Family Info Center on Friday at its new location, 1154 East Canal St., with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The facility - formerly located at 31 Public Square - will provide family support groups as well as a number of children's programs aimed to keep them off the streets and out of trouble, said Rhonda Bentley, the center's manager.
Services provided by the center will include Girl Power and Guy Time. The programs will focus on drug and alcohol awareness and prevention for children of both sexes ages 8-18, Bentley said.
The support group features speakers who will discuss topics ranging from fire and home safety to health concerns. The center also sponsors a clothing giveaway at no cost to families, Bentley said.
The center also will provide a social outlet and education training for the children involved in the programs.
We need the Family Info Center because there are very few opportunities for children in this area
Bentley said.
On a monthly basis, 400 to 500 people participate in all of the programs offered. Because of the location, Nelsonville residents are the core group of people who come to the center, said Bentley. However, anyone living in Athens County is able to use the center's services.
Executive Director of Athens County Children Services Scott H. Ferris said he was pleased with the event's turnout and community support.
We are very happy and very pleased with the community support not only today but getting (Nelsonville Family Info Center) going Ferris said.
Volunteers, community members and children involved in the programs attended the event. Also in attendance was Rep. Jimmy Stewart, R-Athens.
The open house is trying to showcase some of the things that children's services offers
Stewart said.
Stewart said he would not be opposed to expanding similar programs into other areas, if those areas showed a demonstrated need for them. After the successes and failures of the Nelsonville Family Info Center are assessed, the center could serve as a model for future programs.
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Andy Ellinger, Public Information Coordinator for the Athens Co. Children Services Board, eyes a piece of ribbon before it is cut during the grand opening ceremony of the Nelsonville Family Info Center Friday.
