“The Northern Lighthouse Inc. received a $5,000 grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation for the purchase of pregnancy and drug prevention, child abuse prevention and the skills curriculum through Realityworks,” said Tami Cote, program developer of Northern Lighthouse.
According to its Web site, www.realityworks.com, “Realityworks develops interactive simulations and health awareness products that change lives and help make the world a better place.” Products include lifelike babies used to teach parenting skills.
Northern Lighthouse, Inc., is a non-profit social service agency located in Mars Hill which provides a six-bed residential treatment facility for teen girls, section 24 services and outpatient therapy services. In addition, Healing Hearts Ranch, an outreach of the Northern Lighthouse, offers equine-assisted therapy and learning opportunities, as well as a local 4-H group. By working with the animals, residents learn tolerance, patience and caring, in a quiet country setting.
With the grant, Cote said equipment was purchased to work with the teens to teach life skills.
“The Northern Lighthouse was able to purchase two RealCare Babies and the pregnancy simulator with our grant funds,” said Cote. “The RealCare Baby helps future parents become more confident, capable and attentive caregivers. Participation in this program will promote healthy babies, healthy families and healthy communities.”
Some equipment purchased will teach the youth about various drugs and how they impact daily life.
“We also purchased a drug-affected demonstrator, fetal alcohol manikin and a shaken-baby simulator. The drug-affected demonstrator dramatically shows the devastating effects of substance use by a pregnant woman. The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome manikin is based on actual Fetal Alcohol Syndrome infants,” said Cote.
The organization is committed to preventing child abuse.
“The Northern Lighthouse is dedicated to doing our part in preventing child abuse. The purchase of the shaken-baby simulator will assist us in training people about the dangers of shaking an infant,” reports Tiffany Faulkner, program director of the Northern Lighthouse.
Other learning materials were also purchased through the grant.
“We were also able to purchase two life skills curriculums and a smoking-prevention program,” said Cote. “All programs will be available for use as appropriate, free of charge for clients of the Northern Lighthouse.”
If your agency would like to receive training or information on these programs, please contact Cote or Faulkner at 425-3880.
Kings provide $5,000 grant
MARS HILL, Maine – Maine authors Stephen and Tabitha King, through their foundation, have provided funds for equipment to a local youth facility to better educate residents on the issues of pregnancy, drug prevention and child abuse prevention.
