Marvin Bietz introduced Linda Barnick, director of the TAPS and ARTS programs, at the June 21 Kiwanis noon luncheon meeting at the Lantern Room.
The programs are run under the Family Support Network, which was established in 1980. It is a nonprofit organization located at 419 Second Ave. N.W. in Jamestown. Family Support Network is run by a volunteer board of directors and has 12 employees.
TAPS is an acronym for Therapy And Play Sessions. This program is for children 3 to 8 years old. TAPS offers swimming, field trips, park visits and different learning activities. The program is available to families that have a special need within the family, not necessarily a child with a physical disability. All funding for TAPS and ARTS is through fundraising activities. ARTS stands for Art Recreation Teen Session. It is for children 8 to 18 years old.
The day care, Building Blocks, is supported by parents using the program and through fundraising activities. There are approximately 80 families served, which includes before and afterschool day care.
Barnick said many beneficial programs offered in the past are no longer available because the grants paying for them expired. Some of the programs that used to be offered through Family Support Network include, but are not limited to, Kids Teaching Kids, Just Say No, Respite Care and Play It Safe.
ADVERTISEMENT
Jerry Ronholm will introduce Dr. Robert Badal, president of Jamestown College, who will speak at the June 28 Kiwanis noon luncheon meeting at the Lantern Room. Badal will speak on his recent trip to China.
