Family Service of Central Indiana, Inc.

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	Salute to Family was a huge success. Three special families received an Alice M. Ross “Salute to Family” Award.







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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 3 , 2007

CONTACT:
Anita Owen
317.644.7230
anitao@family-service-inc.org

Family Service Honors Three Special Families at Super Salute to Families

INDIANAPOLIS – One family fled their homeland and the Taliban and waited in hiding for three years for a chance of freedom and safety in the United States. Another family overcame drug addiction, homelessness and unemployment to build a stable environment for their children. A third family grieves the horrific murders of a brother and a father by teaching forgiveness and unity.

On Wednesday, April 18 at 8:00 AM at the Indianapolis Colts Football Center, 7001 West 56 th Street, Family Service will honor these extraordinary families and celebrate the teamwork that helps families beat the odds at the “Super Salute to Families” presented by United Water. Tom Zupancic from the Indianapolis Colts will be the keynote speaker. The Vince Lombardi Trophy will be on display and there will be opportunities for photos with family, friends or coworkers. Sponsors include United Water, returning once again as Title Sponsor, and St. Vincent Health as Honoree Sponsor.

The Alice M. Ross “Salute to Family” Awards, given annually by Family Service, are intended to recognize and celebrate the power and importance of strong families. Individual tickets are $20 per person, table sponsorships are $300 and other corporate sponsorships are available.

Contact Anita Owen at 317.644.7230 or anitao@family-service-inc.org for tickets and sponsorships.

	Sharifa Sharifi
	The Sharifi family is from Afghanistan. After Sharifa was widowed by the Taliban in 1999, she fled to Pakistan with her six children, where they remained in hiding for three years awaiting refugee status. In 2003, Sharifa came to Indianapolis as a refugee with six children ages 4 to 13, with two suit cases between the seven of them, no money and no English skills. In spite of many hardships, Sharifa and her children have learned to thrive here and all the children are honor students.

	Jeffrey and Neila Baxter
	Jeffrey and Neila overcame drug addiction, homelessness and unemployment through the services of Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership and Interfaith Hospitality Network. They went through counseling, transitional housing, job training and home ownership classes and were able to purchase their first home in 2006. Their faith plus hard work, drive and dedication to each other and their children enabled them to positively change their family’s life.

	Claressa Patton
	Claressa’s family faced a double tragedy in 2005—her brother, Clarence “C-Daddy” Williams, was killed in front of his restaurant and two month’s later, her husband, Jerome Patton, was shot to death. Through their grief, Claressa and her family consciously decided to model unity and forgiveness as the only response to such senseless losses. They teach this message by reaching out to the grieving families of other victims and the community.

Since its founding over 170 years ago, Family Service has been committed to building strong families and presents the Alice M. Ross “Salute to Family” award to highlight the achievements of exemplary families. At the annual Salute to Families breakfast, the event will also celebrate Family Service’s many accomplishments and achievements from 2005.

About Alice M. Ross:
A special friend of Family Service, Alice M. Ross was a beloved philanthropist, volunteer and longtime resident of Central Indiana. Perhaps best remembered for her energy and enthusiasm, Ross gave tremendous support to organizations and people from all walks of life. It is in her honor that Family Service recognizes exemplary families from the Central Indiana community.

About Family Service:
Supporting families since 1835, Family Service of Central Indiana, Inc. strengthens families to help them overcome typical marital or family conflicts and more serious challenges like domestic violence and chemical dependency; provides training and support for individuals to become better parents, caregivers, money managers, supervisors, and employees; and empowers adults to continue to live independently as they learn to cope with aging and mental or physical challenges. In 2006, 8,930 individuals from Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, and Morgan counties were guided toward their goal of a stronger, healthier family by the caring counselors at Family Service. For more information, contact Anita Owen at 317.634.6341 or visit www.family-service.inc.org

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	615 N. Alabama St., Suite 320; Indianapolis, IN 46204 \| 317.634.6341 \| fax 317.464.9575
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