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Grief is a normal emotion. Saying goodbye to a family member or pet that dies is traumatic for everyone. Know that you will heal over time. Talk about your feelings when you can. Encourage your children to express themselves. Allow them to ask questions. Sometimes rituals help children get through the initial loss while honoring the important memories.

Lives Changed

When I started my 12-week Positive Parenting Program, I began to realize what it meant to be a good parent. I kept going to the classes and each week I learned new ways to raise my son. Before long, my friends at The Family Tree had helped me figure out my strengths and find the confidence to use them. For the first time, I saw the possibilities of a happy, healthy future with my son.

~ Ron, Parenting Training Programs participant

Article

November 1, 2006

Charles T. Bauer Foundation Awards $600,000 Challenge Grant

Charles T. Bauer Foundation Awards $600,000 Challenge Grant To The Family Tree

Grant Dedicated to Preventing Child Abuse in Maryland

BALTIMORE, November 1, 2006 - The Charles T. Bauer Foundation has awarded The Family Tree, Maryland's leading child abuse prevention agency, a $600,000 challenge grant to support critical family strengthening programs. The Foundation will match dollar-for-dollar all major gifts to The Family Tree.

"The gift by The Charles T. Bauer Foundation is a vote of confidence for The Family Tree's services and a demonstration of their commitment to families and children in Maryland," said Patricia K. Cronin, LCSW-C, The Family Tree's executive director. "This grant will allow The Family Tree to expand its capacity to serve more of Maryland's at risk families." added Ms. Cronin. "Right now our goal is to encourage caring individuals and business leaders to step forward and meet this $600,000 match, for the sake of our state's children."

Every 37 minutes a child is reported abused and neglected in Maryland. For every case that gets reported, two others happen but are not reported. The consequences are devastating for the child and the community. The Family Tree provides the solutions that Maryland's families seek. Many of the parents that attend programs are in crisis, unable to raise their children safely and responsibly. Their children come to us distressed, often presenting a wide range of issues and needs, including emotional abandonment, anger management, school performance, and peer acceptance problems. This grant allows the organization to build its capacity to provide hope to more Maryland families by giving them the tools they need to be better parents. In addition, The Family Tree will build upon its efforts to raise public awareness through community education and outreach, thereby creating a statewide network of individuals and agencies dedicated to preventing child abuse.

Charles T. Bauer was a resident of this state for many years where he raised two children Ted and Janet, who still call Maryland home. After a dynamic career as an investment officer with USF&G and American General, he founded the well known AIM funds, a leader in the mutual fund industry. Mr. Bauer believed that three things were essential for achieving success in today's world: technology, education and giving young people a chance. He demonstrated this belief in both his business practices and philanthropic endeavors. "This grant to The Family Tree is a continuation of my father's vision - giving young people a chance and hope for a safe and bright future," explains Ted Bauer. "We have seen the impact Family Tree programs have on families. However, more funds must be dedicated to preventing child abuse. It is our hope that the community joins this challenge so together we can ensure the health and safety of our children and families," adds Janet Bauer Hartman.

The Family Tree is Maryland's leading 501 (c)(3) nonprofit working to improve our community by providing families with proven solutions to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through family-focused education, and outreach services, including a 24-hour Family StressLine, we reach 14,000 of Maryland's parents, caregivers and children in need of support. The Family Tree is the Maryland chapter of Parents Anonymous^® and Prevent Child Abuse America and an affiliate of the National Exchange Club. For more information, please call 410-889-2300 or visit www.familytreemd.org.

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