YoungLives Craft Fair to Benefit the Program for Teen Parents

YoungLives, a branch of the ministry of Young Life that mentors and supports teen moms in our community, is hosting a craft fair to benefit the Program for Teen Parents, a program of the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB). The craft fair is Saturday, November 9, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Riverbend High School (located at 12301 Spotswood Furnace Road, Fredericksburg). Admission is free.

All proceeds from the purchase of vendor spaces benefit the Childcare Assistance Fund, which enables teen parents to complete high school by supplementing the cost of daycare. Last year, a dozen students benefited from the Childcare Assistance Fund.

According to organizer Karey Spears, “The community support for our annual fall craft fair has been wonderful. We are happy to have many returning, high-quality vendors.” Participating vendors include: Abigail’s Wonderland; Apron & Things by Moma B; Avon; B&B Crafts; Bellaroma; Compelling Creations; Coolscentz Wickless Candles by Scentsy; CorseCrafts; Country Mountain Crafts; Dangles; Decorative Painting by Rhonda Luck; Dove Chocolate Discoveries; E3 Kids International; Everlasting Leis by Joshua; In Stitches Embroidery; Irish Mom Creations/Banana & Buddy; It Works; Jamberry Nails; Jazz's Sports Framing; Jilly Girl’s; Jockey Person to Person; Longaberger; Mia Bella Candles & Bath Products/ Relax with Wicks; Mary Ellen's Animals; Mary Kay; Miche; My Heart Delight, LLC; Nana's Cozy Craft Corner; Norwex; One Blessed Crafter; One Happy Handy Man; Paisley Petals; Pampered Chef; Pecock Glass; Quilts by Kista; Rodan & Fields Dermatologist; Scrapple Totes & More; Seaglass, Silver & Shells; Sisel (vitamins); Skrapn 4 You; Tastefully Simple; The Treasure Chest; Thirty-One Gifts; Usborne Books & More; Vantel Pearls in the Oyster; Velata; Vickie’s Crafts & Things; and Wildtree (updated list available at www.racsb.state.va.us).

For nearly 20 years, the Program for Teen Parents has provided school and home-based education and support for pregnant and parenting teenagers in Spotsylvania County. Their mission is to facilitate healthier pregnancies, healthier babies, and nurturing relationships between parent and child. The program assists teens prior to the birth of their child and offers continued support until the child is three years old. Parent Educators offer educational groups, infant massage classes, and Lamaze classes. There is no charge for the programs. A total of 81 teen parents from Spotsylvania County benefited from the Program for Teen Parents in fiscal year 2013 (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013).

For additional craft fair information, contact Karey Spears (540-846-6490 or PTPcraftshow@gmail.com). To learn more about how you can support the Program for Teen Parents, please contact Joan Gillis (540-374-3337 or jgillis@racsb.state.va.us).

YoungLives meets Mondays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Grace Church of Fredericksburg. Dinner and childcare are provided. For more information, please contact Megan McCormack at younglivesfburg@gmail.com or 540-318-5324 or 757-613-8705.

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. RACSB operates five outpatient clinics which provide individual, group and family therapy; specialized counseling and case management services; psychological assessment; 24-hour crisis intervention; and medication management services. RACSB operates 11 group homes for adults with intellectual disability providing 24-hour intensive and structured support. RACSB also offers mental health day support, residential services, and crisis stabilization at The Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness & Recovery. The Parent-Education – Infant Development Program provides developmental, physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as service coordination to infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Programs of RACSB include Kenmore Club, Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., Project LINK, Program for Teen Parents, Rappahannock Area Kids on the Block, DARE To Be You – Rappahannock Area, Second Step, Too Good for Drugs, and Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.