February 19, 2009 Issue
High Country First in Families and Avery Community Help Family Build an Extra Room for Infant Son
Avery County community members and High Country First in Families volunteers picthed in time and materials to build a new addition onto a home that will be used to house a child with extensive health problems. Photo submittedNote: The family’s name has been omitted from this story to protect their identity.
High Country First in Families (HCFiF), a program of Rainbow Center – Children & Family Services, recently collaborated with several groups in Avery County to provide an extra room for a family in need.
The family’s newborn son has extensive health problems, and his bedroom was on the opposite end of their home. They needed an extra room built off of their bedroom to ensure the infant’s safety.
The community banded together this fall and the family now has a new room for their son. Margaret Trosper of the Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) helped the family by recommending the HCFiF program, and HCFiF gave towards the building supplies. Additionally, Roy and Jerry Arnett contributed the roofing, Stine’s Insulation donated the insulation and Banner Elk Presbyterian Church built the new addition.
“I appreciate everyone stepping up to help with this project. We wouldn’t have been able to completely help them without their support, and we’re always looking for volunteers or donors to meet the needs of those we serve,” says HCFiF Coordinator Michelle Wyatt.
HCFiF provides support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. This program strives to connect a client’s needs with community resources. Serving Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes counties, the program helped 124 families in 2008 with an average annual income of $13,591. If your business, church or civic group would be interested in assisting with future collaborative projects, contact Michelle Wyatt at midol@rccfs.com or 336-667-3333.
Rainbow Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides an array of human services to children and families in Northwestern North Carolina. The center is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and is a member of the North Carolina Child and Family Services Association.
For more information, call Koren Huskins at 336-667-3333 or email khuskins@rccfs.com.
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