Child Safety Fair April 25 presents services for families

Law offers tax relief to senior citizen property owners

PRESS RELEASE
April 22, 2014

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Family fun, food and entertainment are all part of the 6th Annual Child Safety Fair this Friday, April 25. Garfield County families can enjoy an outing for fun and safety, and get important information about resources for children, youths and families at this free event. The event is from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Garfield County Department of Health and Human Services Building, 195 West 14th Street, in Rifle.

This year’s event is shaping up to be exceptional, as more organizations than ever will share information on their programs and services, plus local businesses will donate prizes and giveaways for families who attend.

Residents will receive information from organizations like the Garfield County Department of Human Services (DHS), the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Boy Scouts, local schools, Rifle Moms for Moms, Headstart, and Colorado Animal Rescue. A full list of agencies and organizations presenting at the fair is available at garfield-county.com. These agencies, such as St. Mary’s Blood Mobile, Salvation Army and Bright Beginnings, will present information and resources to support children and families in their efforts to create safe and caring homes. Parents can have car seat safety checks done in their vehicles. Prizes will include massages and fitness classes, restaurant gift certificates, passes to local attractions, and much more. Attendees will receive plenty of resources for safe and happy families, and maybe a few prizes.

“The Child Safety Fair has grown to be an important event in our community for families, as well as those of us in Garfield County who work to help children and youths all year long,” said Kappe Stutsman of DHS. “We work directly with local families and children through difficult times, and enjoy the opportunity to visit with people in a fun atmosphere where you can see how kids are thriving. It is very rewarding,” added Stutsman.

Garfield County DHS received 913 referrals in 2013 and from those referrals, worked directly with 438 families. Pinwheels for Prevention will once again be on display at the Child Safety Fair. A blue pinwheel is the national symbol of child abuse prevention. County gardens will present 438 pinwheels representing the families with whom DHS has worked in 2013. In the first months of 2014, DHS received 217 referrals and has been working with 115 families from those referrals. DHS staff is committed to developing and providing collaborative services to assist and promote the safety, well being and self-sufficiency of individuals and families in Garfield County.