Neighborhood Philanthropy: North MS Family Center
Oxford is host to some wonderful non-profit organizations that provide for our community in so many ways. We want to provide a glimpse of these organizations each month. Did you know April is Child Abuse Awareness Month? The North Mississippi Family Center is part of the National Exchange Clubs network of Prevention of Child Abuse Centers, which operates in 28 states and in Puerto Rico. It serves North Mississippi families with a variety of services.
Founded in 1997, the North Mississippi Family Center works in tandem with the Exchange Clubs in its area. The National Exchange Club officially adopted the prevention of child abuse as its National Project in 1979, under the leadership of pediatrician, Dr. Ed North of Jackson, MS, who had seen a significant increase in child abuse and believed it could be eradicated.
The Executive Director, Denise Strub, recently shared, “Over the last 3 years, our center has seen a rejuvenation. We have sought community involvement and agency partnerships. In addition, we have completely remodeled the building and our programs. Our programs include Raising Mothers to Rise, which is for pregnant teens and teen parents; Parenting classes; and Exchange Parent-Aide, which is a home visitation program. Last fall, we became the site of the Oxford Diaper Bank. In addition, we offer workshops and presentations on child abuse and neglect, including good touch/bad touch, and bullying. We also have a room available for supervised visitation.”
The Center just had its first training for the Exchange Parent-Aide program in mid-March. Exchange Parent-Aide is the evidence-based signature program of the National Exchange Club. Parent-Aides are trained, professionally supervised individuals (paid and volunteer) who provide supportive and educational, in-home services to families at-risk of child abuse and neglect. Exchange Parent-Aides act as mentors and provide intensive support, information, and modeling of effective parenting — all in the home of the family.
Executive Director, Denise Strub
The North Mississippi Family Center’s largest fundraiser is coming up! The 5th Annual Radiothon fundraiser with Q105 will be April 25th from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Last year, they raised over $10,000 and the goal this year is $15,000. The Center always accepts monetary donations at any time. It is currently in need of concrete work and lighting for their parking lot, diapers, strollers, baby formulas and check out other needs on their website.
Executive Director, Denise Strub, shared, “It has been such a pleasure to be the director of the center during this time of revitalization. I have seen so many changes in just the two years I have lived here. The building has come a long way and we've added and grown programs. It's also extremely heartwarming to see the faces of parents and grandparents after you've been able to help them with something they thought was overwhelming. It's at those times you really know you are making a difference.”
We are so grateful to the North Mississippi Family Center and its specialized programs to improve the quality of life for at-risk families by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect through prevention, intervention, and educational services. Please consider donating or becoming more involved as a volunteer or mentor. Contact the North Mississippi Family Center, located at 1558 Skyline Drive, for more information or to drop-off donations.
