Ellen Brooks, Chair of our Hug-a-Bear community service program, welcomed Judy Patten of Parisi House on the Hill where the resident children receive our Hug-a-Bear teddy bears. She explained that Parisi House on the Hill is a residential facility for women with alcohol or narcotic addictions and their children, ages 0 to 5 years of age.  She went through a power point presentation explaining the type of assistance and care that is provided by the varied professionals at Parisi House on the Hill.  She said that it is a 20-bed facility, and each resident mom is given a counselor during their time at the facility, and they are also provided with continuing services and support after their stay, which can be anywhere from 60 to 180 days.  There is also a child development worker provided for each child.  Their goal is to get the women free of addiction and return them to a productive and healthier life.

We are proud that our supportive Hug-a-Bears can help the moms and children succeed in life.  For more information, http://parisihouse.com/