Studies have shown that children of all ages thrive when they have a safe place in which to explore the world around them, filled with books, toys, and activities that are developmentally appropriate. However, the reality for many children is that they do not have access to the space and equipment necessary to develop social, cognitive, gross motor, and language skills, which are so critical for success later in life.
IN HOMES WITH PARENTS WHO ARE PRACTICING ALCOHOLICS AND ADDICTS CHILDREN ARE NOT THE PRIORITY. It is a challenge simply to feel safe for children living with active addiction, never mind relaxing to play with toys, or reading a book to stimulate the imagination. When children are in an alcoholic home, it is impossible for them to discover the magic of childhood.
Foundation For Real Life is proud to provide a much needed service to children of alcoholic mothers and grandmothers when they visit recovering family at ITHACA HOUSE.
The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, the nonprofit organization of Bright Horizons Family Solutions, the leading provider of employer-sponsored child care, early education and work/life solutions, established the Bright Space program to create appropriate play and learning areas for children of all ages living in undesirable situations. In a Bright Space, a dedicated children's area is transformed by a team of early education and design professionals to create a warm, inviting environment where children can simply be children.
Curtains are put up, cozy nooks are strategically placed around the room to give children of all ages a comfortable place to explore, and shelves overflow with award-winning children's books, educational toys and games, and soft toys. Dramatic play areas are set up so children can act out their fantasies and learn to socialize with their peers. Each Bright Space is designed specifically for the individual environment by early education professionals from Bright Horizons, who create the Bright Space to help meet the needs of the children who will inhabit it.
Visit www.ithacahouse.com and click BRIGHT SPACE to learn more about ITHACA HOUSE and children of alcoholic families. FOUNDATION for REAL LIFE is a local Pasadena area charity committed to improving the lives of women and girls at home, and across the globe. |
