52 Unit 1 Your Development and Relationships
lived there. Ask about schools, shopping, and recreational facilities. Use
the Internet to read about the new area. Be enthusiastic about meeting new
friends and having new experiences.
• Support the change. Keep a positive attitude about the changes your
family will face. Many changes are not by choice. They just happen. A car
accident or a job loss may have been unavoidable. Pitch in and help as
best you can. Be supportive. Try not to criticize, condemn, or complain.
Remember that change is constant. How you handle the change is what is
important.
Sources of Help
Sometimes families need help from other sources to cope with a crisis, 2-16.
Shelters provide food, clothing, and housing to families who do not have
anywhere else to go. Some shelters offer protection for people who are victims
of domestic violence or abuse.
Community Resources
Resource Services
Al-Anon
A support group for the family and friends of people who
abuse alcohol.
Alateen This support group is specifi cally for teens who are trying to
cope with another person’s alcohol abuse.
Alcoholics
Anonymous
A support group for people who are trying to quit drinking.
American Red
Cross
This organization provides food, shelter, and other
necessary items to victims of natural disasters. Also
provides community services that help families in need.
Big Brothers
Big Sisters
An organization that partners adult volunteers with children from
single-parent families. The adult meets weekly with the child to
serve as a mentor and offer emotional support and guidance.
Family
Counseling
Center
This agency provides individual and family counseling
services to help with grief recovery, marital and parenting
issues, depression, or career counseling.
The National
Domestic
Violence Hotline
A hotline that offers crisis intervention and referrals for local
services to victims of domestic violence. It operates at all
times every day of the year with interpreter services for
many languages.
Temporary
Assistance for
Needy Families
(TANF)
A government agency that provides assistance and work
opportunities to needy families. People must apply for
government-sponsored TANF programs at designated
agencies within their communities.
2-16 There are many community resources available to help families in times of crisis.
Discuss
Enrich
Enrich
Activity