FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 16, 2005

CONTACT:
Michael Runestad
317-634-6341 x 135
miker@family-service-inc.org

Family Service recognized for diversity

The United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) and Indiana Black Expo presented Family Service of Central Indiana, Inc. with the Agency Diversity Award at Saturday’s 22nd annual Minority Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. The award recognizes Family Service’s success and commitment to serving diverse populations.

With the help of the UWCI during FY03-04, Family Service helped nearly 2,000 persons of color (40% of total served) become drug-free, violence-free, and more financially secure. In some programs, persons of color represent as much as 80% of the total number served. Ages of persons served range from youngsters under age one to elders more than 85 years old; 40% are male and 60% are female.

Family Service strives to eliminate any barrier to service. Many programs are offered on weekends and evenings, free child care is provided during counseling group sessions, and offices are located on bus routes. Families are supported at different stages throughout their lives, with a special commitment to the most vulnerable and needy.

Several valuable programs are administered by Family Service. The Program for Visually Impaired Adults helps persons who have lost or are losing their vision maintain their independence and social connections. The Protective Care Program helps persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, dementia, or other age-related conditions live safely in the community, and homemaker services enables the elderly and individuals with physical disabilities to stay in their homes. Parent education classes, taught in both English and Spanish, prepare mothers and fathers for the different stages of child-rearing. Breaking Free, the domestic violence program of Family Service, has an advocate who reaches out to victims in the Latina community. Family Service also offers financial literacy, loans and home ownership counseling for low-income parents.

We are honored to have received this award,” said Family Service President Edie Olson. “Family Service values diversity and we honor family in its many forms. We strive to recognize the strength and uniqueness of each and every person.”

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