Dallas Morning News, 12-24-2007 

 Bells for Relief Nursery

Organizers of the Relief Nursery of Collin County have planned their first fundraiser with a goal of $83,000 in order to quality for $250,000 in matching state funds. Interim board chairwoman Karen Marks is spearheading the sale of Guardian Bells, available in four styles for $10 each. Call her at 214-563-4156.

The nursery is a daytime/part-time respite care program designed to strengthen high-risk families and break the cycle of abuse and neglect through early childhood services and family support, including alcohol and drug recovery services.

The concept is based on the Relief Nursery of Oregon, a Junior League initiative and later a Rotary beneficiary. Early organizers include Family Outreach and the Collin County Children's Advocacy Center, with strong interest from CITY House and Court Appointed Special Advocates. Commissioner Phyllis Cole and Rep. Jerry Madden have endorsed the concept and talks are under way with Plano Rotary clubs, Junior League of Plano and the Collin County Council on Family Violence, a Junior League initiative.

The new year to-do list for Ms. Marks and fellow organizers Michele Focht, Janetta Michaels and Laura Young includes developing a board of directors, locating a facility site and hiring an executive director.