Extended Family founder Laure Clemons was a guest on the WEIS Radio Morning Show on Thursday (September 4th) – and over the course of that visit she shared information on the new program to be offered throughout the Cherokee County School System – appropriately named “Extended Family for Kids”.
Extended Family acts as a support system for families of those incarcerated – helping them to successfully adjust to a new way of life.
Development of the new Extended Family for Kids program came as a natural outgrowth of the original initiative.
For those who are in a similar situation, there’s good news – Extended Family for Kids will be available for all school students beginning later this month (September).
If you missed the Thursday morning interview, you can still hear it in its entirety by CLICKING BELOW
What is Extended Family?
Extended Family is a non-profit support system for families of prisoners. The purpose of Extended Family is to show prisoners’ families how to successfully adjust to a new way of life. Our Mission is to offer help and inspire hope.
When someone is sent to prison the family left behind struggles with financial, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual challenges. Through the Extended Family program family members learn how to face these challenges together, looking for solutions, and discovering services available in their community to help them through this season in their lives.
How does Extended Family help the families of prisoners?
Extended Family is a three part support system, offering monthly family meetings, a nation-wide Resource Database, and a One-on-One Networking System.
Monthly Family Meetings: Monthly family meetings are held at the Branches and led by a trained Extended Family Branch Leader. At the meeting presentations are given on community services, anger resolution, and grief recovery skills. Guest speakers share their expertise on issues pertinent to families of prisoners. Discussion topics range from what to expect at the first visit to how to work with children through this experience. The question we try to answer is, “How can we not do their time?”
Resource Database: Extended Family maintains a nation-wide resource database, referring members to services available in their communities. These resources cover financial, legal, social, and emotional issues, as well as many others.
One-on-One Networking: Connecting people in similar situations has been the foundation of the Extended Family program. Through the One-on-One Networking system family members can connect by telephone and e-mail, no matter where they live.
How do I become a member of Extended Family?
The Extended Family support system is available to anyone with a family member incarcerated in a county, state, or federal institution. Becoming a member of Extended Family is easy, and it’s free. Call 256-927-7997 or e-mail extendedfamily@extendedfamilysupport.org to express your interest and we will send you an information packet. Or you can download the membership form on this Web site, complete and mail it to Extended Family, P.O. Box 26, Centre, AL 35960. You will receive the Extended Family newsletters and updates on issues relevant to family members of prisoners. Your information will not be shared with any other entity. Membership privacy is strictly protected.
Is there anything that Extended Family doesn’t do?
Extended Family does not distribute funds, give marital or legal advice, or act as a personal counselor. However, at meetings of Extended Family, and through newsletters, information is given about community services available to help in many different areas of life. And, of course, sometimes it is helpful just to hear someone else say, “I understand,” and know that they really do.
How can I start an Extended Family Branch in my area?
If you or someone you know is interested in starting an Extended Family Branch in your community, contact Laure Clemons at the Extended Family home office – 256-927-7997 or extendedfamily@extendedfamilysupport.org. Laure will tell you more about how to start a Branch and connect you with other Branch Leaders so you can lean first-hand what that experience is like and decide if you want to work with us to continue spreading Extended Family across the country.
How can I support the Extended Family program?
Donations are vital to the success and growth of Extended Family. Please send your tax-deductable gifts to:
Extended Family
P.O. Box 26
Centre, AL 35960