Purdue accepts nominations to honor programs serving families

Any youth program serving both caregivers and children will be considered for the award. Organizations that directly impact the whole family are encouraged to apply. The award, sponsored by Purdue's College of Consumer and Family Sciences, honors organizations that emphasize unifying the family and have a direct impact on the community.

"We believe that healthy communities support healthy families, and we want to reward the winning nomination for their efforts," said Karen DeZarn, coordinator of the award committee and Purdue's assistant Consumer and Family Sciences Extension Program Leader.

The winning organization will receive $1,500. An award of $250 to $500 will be given to a select group of finalists.

Self-nominations of an organization, program or collaboration are welcome. All nominations must have the signed endorsement of a local community foundation officer. Nomination forms are available by calling (765) 494-8252 or can be downloaded.

Nominees from previous years' competitions are encouraged to reapply for the award. Past nominees include organizations that have unified family members or have helped people become more knowledgeable and self-sufficient by connecting family members with their community.

Last year, the first-place winner was the Fathers and Families Resource/Research Center Inc. of Indianapolis. The three finalists were the Caring Parents Program in Columbus, the Family Youth Services Bureau/Juvenile Court Partnership Programs in Valparaiso and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill —West Central Indiana in Lafayette.

For more information or questions about the award, contact DeZarn at (765) 494-8252, kdezarn@purdue.edu.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Source: Karen DeZarn, (765) 494-8252, kdezarn@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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