PROGRAM NARRATIVE

Ten things every child needs explains how our earliest interactions influence a child’s brain development. Extensive research studies have shown that during the first five years of life, the foundations are laid for all later developments. Often young parents may have one, two or even three children at home, become overwhelmed with the responsibilities and simply not have the parenting skills needed to take care of and train up their children. Each young parent or young couple who comes through our doors is looking for direction and encouragement in some area, and each one needs to be loved, accepted and supported through one of the most challenging times in their lives – raising their children. Initially our clients receive free pregnancy testing, then we offer both emotional support and practical help to those with small children at home through our Ten Things Program. 

As we meet with the client monthly, there is a different focus - parent and child interaction, loving touch, stable relationships, creating a safe and healthy environment, building self-esteem in children, play, communication, music and reading, car seat safety, and quality child care for those who are working or will be returning to work after the birth of their child. Another area addressed is discipline and correction, how important boundaries are, and how together they can affect a child’s development and self-esteem. Clients agree to complete homework assignments that provide us assurance she is taking care of herself, the baby she is expecting and her children.

Ten Things Every Child Needs is a relatively new program for Sav-A-Life of Dale County and has been in place for two and a half years. This program is focused on the client’s pregnancy as well as parenting the children she already has.

When the client completes assignments, she is given an incentive gift, such as baby sleepers, baby wipes, diapers, baby blankets, etc. The volunteer peer counselor is instructed and trained to review the client’s homework and discuss it with her. The client earns points with each visit and completed homework assignment that may accumulate to a 350 point maximum. After the birth of her baby, she may then shop in our Baby Room, spending her points. The items range from baby bottles to crib sheets, from dresses to comforters and bumper pads to all kinds of baby items and are mostly new items. We also give our clients baby swings, strollers, walkers, car seats, cribs, etc., as well as maternity clothes. These items are both new and second hand donated items. They are given on a first come, first serve basis. All of the gifts and services our clients receive are provided free of charge.

If the client needs additional help, we refer her to the Department of Human Resources, Dale County Health Department, Dale County Rescue Mission, OCAP, food pantries at many area churches, The Joy Caring Society, Dale Baptist Association, the Salvation Army, Catholic Social Services, Alfred Saliba Family Services Center in Dothan, etc. The needs of our clients are many and range from needing help with classes for GED testing, job training, child care, transportation needs, to basic needs such as food, help with a power bill, medical assistance, or a safe place to live if necessary.

Sav-A-Life of Dale County currently reaches clients in Dale, Pike, Barbour, Coffee and Henry Counties.