SWANSEA - More than a dozen community and governmental organizations set up shop Oct. 25 in the Sandhills Intermediate School cafeteria in Swansea to provide information on resources available to Lexington School District Four students and their parents.

This first-ever Family Resource Night was organized and presented by the school counselors in District Four. The event was designed to distribute a maximum amount of information in a minimum amount of time. In addition to visiting the various presenters, families were treated to hot dogs, chips, snacks and drinks.

Yticcia Williams represented the Lexington and Richland County Alcohol and Drug Action Committee. She said it is illegal to give alcohol to underage teens under any circumstances, even in your own home.

According to handouts provided by LRADAC and sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, individuals can face a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and $1,075 in fees and fines if they break this law.

Lexington County Health Supervisor Roy Tucker Jr., who manned the Department of Health and Environmental Control display, advised everyone to get a flu shot this year.

"There are three big chronic diseases in South Carolina. They are stroke, heart attack and diabetes," Tucker also noted. "Smoking and obesity can be underlying causes that further the progress of these diseases."

He promoted developing a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits when young to help avoid these pitfalls.

Pam Saylor, First S.jpg Program director in District Four, noted that parents who are enrolled in the family literacy program can enroll in free GED classes and also get free childcare through the LINK program.

Greg Riley, a teacher and coordinator with District Four, also mentioned the LINK program through Adult Education and First S.jpg. He said the primary focus in adult education is assisting individuals to get a GED and encouraging them to participate in the WorkKeys program.

Upon completion of WorkKeys, participants can receive ce.jpgication at three levels of achievement, Riley said, adding that the ce.jpgication provides enhanced job opportunities since many employers use it as part of their application process.

A Better Way Inc., Project Gang Out was represented by Sylvia Kenley, chief of staff for the organization.

"We work with youngsters who are referred to us" by law enforcement agencies, counselors and even parents, she said.

Project Gang Out is the only program in South Carolina that ide.jpgies existing gang members who are interested in leaving gang life.

Some of the activities sponsored by the organization include a Monday night group meeting with youngsters and their parents, various mentoring opportunities and youth leadership camps. Kenley said the organization focuses on getting those involved with gangs to see how they can change themselves and giving them tools to make better choices.

Other organizations and agencies represented at Family Resource Night included the School Nurse Services, Lexington County Department of Social Services, the Midlands Education and Business Alliance, Lexington County Community Mental Health, Lexington Interfaith Community Services, the Lexington County Teen Health Center, Voter Registration and the S.C. Army National Guard.

T&D Correspondent Loretta Demko can be reached by e-mail at eeshtenem@yahoo.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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