The Family Support Council of Douglas County is an essential agency in our county. This non-profit, established in Douglas County in 1982 started with a group of volunteers who worked with domestic violence victims. The support continues to assist domestic violence victims and has added adults with developmental disabilities. Veronica LaChance, Executive Director of the organization, shared the why’s and how’s of the agency with the Minden Rotary Club on August 6.
WHY? In Douglas County, there were nearly 700 domestic violence situations in the past year. In addition to the victim, there were between 500 and 600 secondary witnesses (mainly kids). The Family Support Council is also a source of support for the 22 adults with disabilities in Douglas County.
HOW? The services provided by the Family Support Council includes the following:
ADVOCACY: A 24 hour crisis line is manned by 4 advocate and 3 trained volunteers. In addition, individuals are available to go to court with victims for support. Emotional support programs are also available. The Council is provided with a referral from the Sheriff’s office so that help can be provided immediately.
SAFE SHELTER: Abbey’s Crossing is a 14 bed facility available to victims and their families for up to 90 days.
FAMILY RESOURCES: A free 6 week parenting course is offered as well as resources and referrals to services.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Jessie’s Ranch was established in 2017 to assist adults with developmental disabilities with social living arrangements as well as job training.
SUPERVISED VISITS: When children are required to have a supervised visit with an adult, the Family Support Council can provide the adult and a safe location.
The Family Support Council is located at 1516 US Hwy 395 in Units E, F and G. They can be reached at (775)782-8692.
Susi and JoJo Townsell accept a $4000 check from the Rotary Club of Minden for the MeFiYi leadership organization at Douglas High.
Thanks to Pat Garrahan, the Rotary Club of Minden NV now has a professional counter for serving hotdogs and other food and drinks at many future community events.
Update from Rotarian Jeannie Dwyer, Douglas County School District Executive Director of Human Resources:
School starts 8/18 with 4600 students
District office is infested with sick bats - personnel will be relocated to school sites until it is safe to return.
“Inspiring Help” is the theme for the new school year
8/27 6:30pm Reno ACES game - Club Social
8/29 Rotary serves hotdogs at the Minden Concert series
9/5 & 9/6 Douglas County Rodeo - Minden Rotary volunteers at the ticket sale counter from 4-8pm
9/11 - STEM Literacy Night at Gardnerville Elementary School
9/13 Pickleball Fundraiser (club will be serving Breakfast Burritos)
8/14 - Come see!
8/21 - Suzie Weissman, Escaping Hungary in 1956 at age 9
8/28 - No meeting at COD due to the club social at the ACES game on 8/27.
