The Kiwanis Club of Norway-South Paris has adopted the children’s playroom in the Norway Family Center. Barrie Liebler, left, accepts a check from Kathy Laplante, Kiwanis Club president, right, while Bill Stockwell, far left, Kiwanis Club member, and Philip Mills, far right, director of operations at Rumford Group Homes, look on.

Kiwanis Club adopts kids’ playroom

NORWAY – The Kiwanis Club of Norway-South Paris adopted the children’s playroom in the Norway Family Center earlier this month. Kiwanis Club President Kathy Laplante and member, Bill Stockwell, presented a check of $2,500 to Rumford Group Homes Inc. Homeless Youth Outreach Coordinator Barrie Liebler and Director of Operations Philip Mills on April 3.

The Norway Family Center is a 12-bed emergency shelter for homeless women and children in crisis.

Last fall, Rumford Group Homes Inc. learned that the Galilee House was closing. In an effort to preserve crucial emergency shelter space in Oxford County, the board of directors voted to take ownership to ensure that the shelter continues.

It was renamed the Norway Family Center and it will re-open in June. The Norway Family Center will continue to provide the same emergency shelter and support services.

Shelter guests will receive case management services, including linkages, advocacy and support, while assisting them in locating safe and affordable housing. A family self-sufficiency plan will identify each family’s goals while in shelter. All shelter services will be provided free.

Last winter the agency sought the support of the Kiwanis Club to help develop a safe and pleasant area for the children. Mills said, “The mothers we will serve are the primary breadwinners and caretakers of their children. They are motivated to improve their situation and the lives of their children.”

Liebler added, “Families may arrive at shelter with very little. It is important we have a kid-friendly place so that this difficult time in their lives is more positive. The children’s playroom is designed to do just that. It will be furnished with children’s toys, books, education materials, a TV, playpen, sofa, and other items to make them feel safe and welcome.”

“Support from the Kiwanis Club will help make the children’s playroom a reality. This gift will definitely go to good use and we will know that the families will be very grateful,” said Mills.

Those interested in learning more about Kiwanis should call Kathy Laplante at 583-2978. For more information on Rumford Group Homes, call 369-9439.