Unit 1 You and Others
42
A
shelter
is a place that offers housing and food to people who have
nowhere else to go. Some shelters provide protection for people who are
victims of abuse or violence.
A
hot line
is a telephone service that offers immediate information to
people who need help. Hot lines often help people who are facing a crisis
such as drug or child abuse. Most hot lines have toll-free numbers.
A
support group
is a group of people with a similar challenge who
help each other cope. Some communities have a wide range of support
groups. The groups may help people cope with drug or alcohol abuse,
physical and mental illness, obesity, or grief. Some groups are for adults;
others are for teens.
When a challenge or crisis occurs at home, the greatest source of
strength for each family member should be the family itself. Family
members should not waste time and energy finding fault and placing
blame. Often, this does not help or make people feel better. Instead, they
should try to find the best solution for the challenge or crisis. They need to
be patient and understanding and help one another.
Reading
Review
1. Why should you discuss a challenge or crisis with someone who will
understand?
2. Whom could you turn to for help if you needed someone to talk with
about a challenge or crisis?
3. How can a positive outlook help when trying to solve a family
challenge or crisis?
Section n Summary S a y
• All families have problems.
„ Family members often see the same challenge differently. They need
to talk so they understand one another. This can help them solve the
challenge together.
„ A family council is useful in resolving issues.
„ Conflict resolution is the process of finding a solution to a disagreement.
„ A mediator may suggest a solution through compromise.
„ Sometimes a family is faced with a crisis. The family can seek help from
community resources. These include family counseling agencies, shelters,
hot lines, and support groups.