Make the Fayette Front Page YOUR Home Page!
|
Act Fast!
Sometimes it's tough to stand our when you're a child in school. While being an individual, not going along with the pack, is a trait most try to instill in their children, none want their child to stand out like a sore thumb. Parents take time to buy their children clothes that won't cause others to point fingers (unless the child chooses to wear attention getting outfits!). Most children in Fayette County sort through their drawers and closets and choose from a multitude of clothing. However, there are some in Fayette County who go home each night and wash the clothes they wore to school so they can wear them again the next day. There are some who's clothing choices may consist of outdated cast-off's that do nothing to improve their self-esteem. Their clothes may be too small, too big or may not be appropriate for current weather conditions. Like it or not, clothes are important when children are growing up and can be a source of shame. Standing out because you choose to stand out feels much, much different than standing out because you have no choice. For those whose life is already difficult due to circumstances beyond their control, wearing patched, torn or outdated clothing can make going to school extremely difficult. Sharon Herbert, the Community Resource Specialist with Fayette County Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS), is on a crusade to make sure every child in Fayette County has a choice. She, along with others in DFACS and the local schools, are matching children in need with people who love to shop! The program works similarly to the "Secret Friend" program many participated in at church. You might call this a "Secret Shopper" program. The difference is that not only is the identity of the secret shopper not known to the child and their family, but the shopper does not know the identity of the child. Those choosing to help are given the age and sex of the child and the type clothing needed to include undergarments, socks and shoes. Clothing should be new. DFACS receives referrals from school staff or a social service agency for children in need of clothing. Then Herbert matches the child with a "secret" partner. The partner either shops for the school child or donates money specifically for that child. The actual title for the program is Project A.C.F.A.S.C., which stands for “Appropriate Clothing For All School Children.” Unlike most assistance programs, red tape is kept to a minimum. The whole process takes about a week. Thus, the acronym for the project, ACT FAST! The goal of the project is to ensure that no child in the county go to school wearing inappropriate clothing. Children must be from Fayette County and they may be helped up to two times a year. Their parent or legal guardian must give permission for the child to receive the clothing. Like to help? Contact Sharon Herbert at DFACS, 770-460-2477, for more information. The program is completely anonymous and the child simply knows that someone in the world cares. The following letter explains more about the program: Fayette County Department of Family and Children Services Dear Community Partner: I am sending you information about a wonderful resource this agency has developed. This includes a summary of the project, a referral/request form, a partner agreement, and general project guidelines for your information. It is called Project A.C.F.A.S.C., which stands for “Appropriate Clothing For All School Children.” Here is how it works: A referral from a school staff or other social service agency is made to this office for a particular child needing particular clothing items. Then, a match is made for the child to be sponsored by an A.C.F.A.S.C. Partner who will assist in obtaining the clothing items. Some Partners, who may not like to shop, have chosen to support the project with a monetary donation. Others would like to shop for the child. This process should take about a week – thus the A.C.F.A.S.C. (ACT FAST) acronym. The project was developed with the idea in mind that clothing should be made available to children with demonstrated need, within a short period of time, and with as little “red tape” as necessary. Also, the goal of the project is to ensure that no child in the county go to school wearing inappropriate clothing. This program started in May 2003. To date, 261 requests have been received. We have 79 Partners, but more are needed to keep up with the ongoing requests. This project was developed following numerous reports of clothing needs for school age children, as well as requests from concerned citizens to help others, other than during the holiday season. Some of the referred families may have a one-time need, or simply be struggling to meet their family’s needs. If you have questions, or would like to talk with me directly about this project, please call me at 770-460-2477. Sincerely,
|
|
|
