The Emporia Gazette

Hungry Kids

Perhaps before we suggest that anyone with a large family learn about birth control we should take time to consider alternate reasons for someone not being able to provide the basics for a family of any size. Perhaps when someone decided that 6 children was a good number for their family both persons were employed, or one person was employed, or there were no astronomical medical bills, or both parents were still living. No one knows the circumstances of why someone may not be able to afford to feed their family, so before judging someone irresponsible for having children, might we consider that there may be more to the story than meets the eye?

In a community where we come together so cohesively when there is a tragedy to help others financially, might we ask, why does there have to be a tragedy to help? The fact is that no matter why someone can't afford to feed their children, it is not a child's fault and there is something we can do. I encourage everyone to do what you can, whether it is $1 or helping pack the bags.

January 26, 2011 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Speaker delivers anti-violence message

There were around 700 people in attendance. Thanks to everyone who supported the event! We could not have done it without our sponsors, the media coverage, and the support of the Chamber and the Convention & Visitor's Bureau. We had many people travel to Emporia from Hays, Pittsburg, and the KC area.

April 29, 2009 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

First-hand experience

Callie, you are an inspiration. Thank you for speaking out about your experience. Domestic abuse truly knows no race, gender, or socio-economic status. We never know who is experiencing abuse - thank you for opening the door for others to step forward and talk about it. Abuse is not just physical - it it about one person using power and control over another. Anyone needing help can call SOS at 342-1870 in Emporia or 800-825-1295 in the outlying areas of Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, or Osage counties.

April 24, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

A Sister’s Mission

SOS is extremely pleased to be bringing Denise Brown to Emporia. We have an amazing task force of community members who have worked diligently to bring a national speaker to our community with the support of many area businesses and individuals. I hope everyone can come out and hear the message that Denise brings about families living with domestic abuse.

March 26, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Teen Pregnancy

One of the great things that Project T.E.E.N. accomplishes with students is not just opening the door for teenagers to talk about sex, but to talk about what a healthy relationship is. At SOS we see teens dealing with verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in dating relationships at young ages. With programs like Project T.E.E.N. reinforcing a message of healthy choices and behaviors in relationships dating youth may get a message that they are not seeing in the media or sometimes even at home. Nationally, teens are speaking out in alarming numbers in support of Chris Brown having beaten Rhianna because she was jealous of a text message and "provoked" him. With Mrs. O'Mara in the schools she has a unique opportunity to talk to the students from a non-teacher perspective about what a healthy relationship is and what options are out there if they find themselves in an unhealthy relationship. She talks about making positive choices and making decisions based on what is right for that individual. She stresses the importance of teenagers having a dialog with their parents when it is possible.

The fact is, teenagers today find themselves in situations that 20 years ago we would not have even thought of. Kudos to Mrs. O'Mara and Project T.E.E.N. for trying to make positive impact on the children of our communities. If anyone has questions about Project T.E.E.N., I would encourage you to call and talk to Mrs. O'Mara. Look at the curriculum she uses in the schools. This is certainly a valuable program that deserves our support.

March 24, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )