In the Spring of 1991, Cottage Grove was deeply shaken when a six-year-old boy was killed by his mother in a fit of rage. Two weeks later, another child was beaten into a coma by her abusive father. These two events began the journey of what is now known as the Family Relief Nursery.Our congregation answered the call to action by these tragic events. Our minister at the time, Ben Dake, was instrumental in helping as was Joachim Schulz. In August 1994, our church gave the Relief Nursery space to begin services for families. Ben also helped obtain donations to fund the building that sits on land that was donated by a church member. Professor Dan Close at the University of Oregon and a grant written for funds to replicate the Relief Nursery in Eugene also brought the current program into fruition. Members of Rotary and Kiwanis, along with the Cottage Grove healthcare community and other local churches tailored the program to meet the needs of our rural community.As the program developed, a program coordinator was hired (our own Colleen Stewart), and a board of directors was formed. The program outgrew our church location and was moved to another church until the doors of the current nursery building were opened in April of 1997. The nursery mission is to strengthen families and build community. The organization works to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families under stress. The current location has been in operation for nine years. It has served over 300 families in South Lane and North Douglas counties. Family Relief Nursery has broken ground on the second phase of its new facility. The new building will have another classroom, much needed office and storage space, along with a Crisis-Respite Center for families and providers in immediate need of a safe place for a child.The Family Relief Nursery is a community success story. Many of our church members have been on or are on the board of directors, are regular donors to the program, and continue to volunteer their time to the organization. The Relief Nursery is a success in that no children have died as a result of child abuse as a result of the Nursery serving clients.--by Tracy Durfee, on behalf of the
Earth and Social Justice Commission
