INSIGHT Magazine August 2018 | Page 13

Children’s Services, Inc. began providing emergency shelter home services in 1974. It was and still is the only home of its kind in Calhoun County. The non-profit operates the Parris Home for Children and a Food Program for licensed day care providers. The mission of Children’s Services is “To serve children through the Parris Home For Children, a residential home for abused and neglected children, and in licensed day care facilities so they will have a safe, secure and nurturing environment to help develop a healthy and safe lifestyle.” The Parris Home is a “licensed long- term care facility” and houses up to 6 children ages 5 to 19. “Currently, two of the boys have been with the home for a number of years and are now 19 years old,” Fuller says. “They are working toward college enrollment and the beginning of their working career.” “Anyone familiar with households having six or more kids can attest to the fact that it takes money to keep a household operating,” Fuller says. “Over the past several years, state funding for childcare programs has decreased while the costs for childcare has increased. Now more than ever we are reliant on contributions from the community.” Ways to Donate: • Food for one month $1,200 • Allowance for 7 for one month $304 • Household & Vehicle Maintenance $1,500 • Household Supplies for one month $100 • Counseling for one month $500 In addition to monetary donations, you can also choose an item from the “Wish List” to help support the children at The Parris Home. DONATE INSIGHT August 2018 13