Crisis Nursery, CEAD Council Topics for Healthier Alliance

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Published on January 31 2019 3:42 pm
Last Updated on January 31 2019 3:42 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Members of the Alliance for a Healthier Effingham County heard at this week's meeting about the growth of Crisis Nursery and about a grant that a Coles County helping agency is receiving that might benefit Effingham County.

Crisis Nursery Director Meghan Rewers shared about the growth of the agency, designed to provide free, temporary care to children from birth to six years old. Rewers said things are going well, and that they have developed a group of about 30 people who are helping give care. She said a boost has come from Lake Land College nursing students who as a part of their rotation are assisting at the Center.

Rewers said about 85% of the kids receiving care are from Effingham County, but said kids from the region around the Effingham area receiving care is growing, into Fayette and Jasper counties.

Rewers said a need is to be able to provide benefits for staff members. Receiving benefits, she feels, will let workers stay and work there longer.

There was also a report on activities of CEAD Council, a long-time agency in Coles County that works to assist those battling drug and alcohol addiction. CEAD Council has received a grant to help develop a network of agencies designed to aid those trying to beat an addiction.

There was discussion about what to offer through the network, including healthy alternatives to events where alcohol is prevalent. It was mentioned that some of those in Problem-Solving Court in Effingham County heard about a "sober New Year's Eve" event in Newton and they all went there.