The 2013 Child Watch Tour focuses on impact of housing on Buncombe County Children

Press release

Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County:

What:
The 2013 Child Watch Tour, cosponsored by Children First/CIS and the Junior League of Asheville, offers a free “field trip for adults” that educates and inspires leadership around important children and youth issues in our community.

This year we’ll explore how safe, affordable housing is a cornerstone for children’s health and education, including:
The definition of affordable housing and what the need looks like in Buncombe County
Where low-income families are finding – or not finding – housing
How a family’s housing situation impacts child outcomes in education and health
What private and policy responses are effective to removing obstacles to affordable housing and making sure that all children thrive, regardless of zip code

When:
Friday, May 10th, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM (A lunch-only option is available from 11:30 am – 1 pm)

Where:
The tour will depart from and return to Tuton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church St Asheville, NC 28801. Field trip sites include:
Emma Community
Pisgah View Apartments
Habitat for Humanity (Carnie Place)
Mountain Housing Opportunities (Glen Rock)

Who:
The 2013 Child Watch Tour is sponsored by Children First/ Communities In Schools and the Junior League of Asheville. Speakers/Presenters include:
·Lisa Barlow, CIS Success Coordinator/Family Resource Center Coordinator
·Luke Heller, Homeless Liaison Coordinator, BCS
·Karen Klutz, BCS Social Worker
·Eric Howard, ACS Social Worker, RLC
·Kate Perrotta, ACS Homeless
·Kim Robinson, ACS Social Worker
·Heather Dillashaw, The Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Initiative
·Jeff Staudinger, City of Asheville
·Donna Catrell, Buncombe County
·Robin Merrill, Pisgah Legal Services
·Celeste Collins, OnTrack
·Gibbie Harris, Director, BC Health Dept.
·Parents experiencing challenges finding affordable housing in Buncombe County and Asheville

Why:
How can we make smart investments and policy decisions around housing? Join us on May 10th to find out.

How:
Register online at www.childrenfirstbc.org. The tour and the lunch are free and open to the public.
Those who are unable to attend the entire session may register for the LUNCH-ONLY OPTION from 11:30-1:00 pm.

Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County is a local non-profit that provides programs to economically disadvantaged children & families. These include: Family Resource Center at Emma, Latino Outreach, Learning Centers, CIS Success Coordinators, Project POWER/AmeriCorps, and advocacy. Children First’s mission is to empower children and their families to reach their full potential through advocacy, education and services. The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. To find out more go to www.childrenfirstbc.org.

The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.