CHILDREN FIRST CENTER RECEIVES UNITED WAY OF DEKALB COUNTY ALICE GRANT TO SUPPORT CHILD SAFETY
DeKalb County, IN — Children First Center receives an ALICE Grant from United Way of DeKalb County to support its Safe Start Mobile Outreach Program, which provides critical child safety supplies and education to families across DeKalb County.
The Safe Start program was created to help families who face difficult choices between covering basic expenses and purchasing essential safety items. Using a dedicated outreach vehicle, Children First Center staff meet families where they are — at schools, community events, neighborhoods, and community centers — eliminating transportation and system-involvement barriers.
“At United Way of DeKalb County, we know that many hardworking families are doing their best but still struggle to afford basic necessities,” said Tyler Cleverly, Executive Director of United Way of DeKalb County. “This investment helps ensure parents and caregivers have access to the tools and education they need to keep their children safe and healthy.”
Through the program, families receive infant and child safety supplies such as portable cribs, car seats, cabinet latches, outlet covers, safety gates, and doorknob covers. Staff also provide safe sleep education to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS), along with informal parenting support and connections to community resources.
“Safe Start allows us to build trust with families in approachable, non-judgmental settings,” said Cathy Parks, Executive Director of Children First Center. “That trust helps families gain confidence, knowledge, and the tools they need to keep their children safe.”
This funding will help ensure the outreach vehicle remains stocked with essential safety supplies while supporting the staff and operations that make the program possible. The Safe Start Mobile Outreach Program strengthens protective factors, reduces the risk of child abuse and neglect, and contributes to healthier families and a stronger DeKalb County community.
Together, United Way of DeKalb County and Children First Center are working to remove barriers to safety resources for ALICE families, helping ensure every child in DeKalb County has the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, and supported.