For the City Times

“Family Center Focus” is a new, monthly program now featured on River Cities Community Access, the Wisconsin Rapids public access medium.

The programs are geared to inform and introduce community members to programs available at and through the Wisconsin Rapids Family Center, the local, nonprofit organization for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, according to Deb Cleworth, community outreach and fund development manager. The 30-minute segments will feature guests from The Family Center who will talk about their roles at the Center and the programs they facilitate.

Sue Sippel, executive director, is one of the featured guests on the first program, which debuted July 11. Sippel, who has been with the Center one year, shares her experience in the domestic abuse prevention and support field, programs available at The Family Center, and her goals for The Family Center’s future.

According to Sippel, “Family Center Focus” is a way to educate the community about domestic abuse and sexual assault and, more importantly, the services available at The Family Center for those who are living in abusive situations.

“Victims often first reach out to a neighbor, friend, co-worker, or family member,” Sippel said. “By educating the entire community about our services, more victims can be connected to these life-saving services.”

The first installment also features one of The Family Center’s visitation coordinators who shares information about that program services, including ways people can get more information. “Family Center Focus” is viewable on Solarus HD channel 3 and Charter SD channel 985, and Roku.

Broadcast times are 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Each month will feature different guests and topics. The scheduled topic for August is “Healthy Relationships.”

Additionally, the program is available on demand on the Wisconsin Rapids Community Media website at www.rccamedia.org.

Contact Deb Cleworth at 715-421-1559 or email [email protected] to suggest topics for future episodes.