Helping families beyond crisis
By Debbie Lowe

Marler

When a person makes wrong decisions that endanger other people, they sometimes stand in front of a judge in Carroll County and are sentenced to counseling to help them learn to make b e t t e r choices.

Two faithbased programs offered as resources by the courts are provided by the Freedom Center in Delphi. The choice to attend is voluntary.

Freedom Center program leaders began to realize offenders' problems were often rooted in deeper issues than addressed by the courts. Leaders began to understand that issues from participants' pasts impacted all other relationships. Failure to address those issues can lead to recidivism.

To help individuals break away from the cycle of making bad choices, the Restoring Families Program was developed and will soon begin its first sessions. The group leaders and organizers say issues most always relate to communication and communication styles.

"The overall goal for our group is to help people change their lives," Freedom Center Director of Operations Tom Marler said. "We will be able to decrease the percentage of recidivism by helping to change the environment some offenders live in. We have been trying to find different ways to reach families."

But he stressed the new group is not just for offenders.

"In the Restoring Families Program, individuals will discover the importance of communication skills development, they will learn how to deal with wounded emotions and they will come to realize that unforgiveness is not a way to validate the pain they feel," he said. "Anyone can participate in this group, and we hope they do. The information presented will benefit a wide range of people."

The group will meet 101 West Front St., Delphi beginning Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. Facilitators Jerry and Cathie McCarty will provide support and leadership for the nine-week course.

"We really expect behavior change after that nine weeks," Marler concluded.

For program information or to register, the McCartys can be reached at (574) 967-4647.