Foundations For Living (FFL), a non-profit transitional living agency in Waupaca County, recently received financial support from two area foundations.
The first, a $5,000 grant from the Waupaca Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, will help support FFL’s three transitional living houses operated.
“It is such a blessing to receive this grant for the second year in a row,” said Robin Madson, FFL executive director. “This grant has been instrumental in allowing us to open and maintain our houses.”
The second, a $4,500 grant from the Anthony Foundation will be used to fund Life Skills scholarships for the residents of FFL transitional living houses.
Life Skills is an educationall program that helps participants understand how the experiences of childhood affect perspectives, the way information is processed, and ultimately feelings and actions as an adult. It teaches practical ways to break free from the past.
The 30-week program, facilitated through Freedom Life Skills out of Green Bay, is used to help the clients in the transitional living houses.
“Studies show that early childhood trauma can actually arrest or stop the healthy development of a child’s brain function,” said Lynda Babino, director of client services. “This has a tremendous impact on the way we think, learn, and behave as adults. Many of the clients we work with have been victims of childhood abuse, neglect or trauma. Being able to bring Life Skills in for our clients will be a tremendous asset for us and will help us to give the individuals we work with to greater chance to become strong, resilient, and confident individuals.
Foundations For Living will host a free program with Gary LaFave, executive director of Freedom Life Skills, from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in the downstairs community room at Farmers State Bank.
Lunch will be provided, so reservations are required by calling 715-942-2726 or 715-570-5620 by Oct. 27.