To Whom It May Concern:   In March, 2003 I had the opportunity to join a new Task Force that planned to address the issue of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Macomb County. I now serve as the Chair of the Macomb County Fetal Alcohol Resource Education and Support Coalition.   Through MCFARES, I learned about Project Focus and was told that our family would qualify to attend the program. We attended our first summer program in 2003. Our two older boys were 9 years old at the time our third son was 5 years old (by the end of the program, my 2 year old daughter was begging to stay for the program). That Fall/Winter, we attended Project Focus to reinforce the skills/knowledge that we learned over the summer.   The individuals who staff Project Focus have all been caring, helpful people who have worked with our unique family needs. Our second oldest son has confirmed Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and his behaviors (especially in the evening when the Project Focus program is held) can be somewhat challenging. The staff have assisted him on a 1 to 1 basis when necessary and have provided information to him at a level that he can understand (he is developmentally delayed and understands information best when it is provided in a concrete, individualized manner). Our son still repeats and shows understanding of concepts that he learned through Project Focus.   Through continued and repeated involvement with Project Focus, our son is better equipped to make appropriate decisions regarding alcohol use. He has learned about safe people, understanding feelings and dealing with anger. We continue our involvement with Project Focus because our son is best able to retain information that is repeatedly presented.   Also, Project Focus and other parenting programs through CARE (STEP and the HUGS classes), have provided me with knowledge that helps me to best support the needs of my children and act in a pro-active manner to prevent challenges. I've also realized that as a parent continued support helps me to keep the needs of my children in the forefront of my mind and to change my parenting techniques as my children grow and change.   Project Focus has helped my children learn information that will help them remain drug-free. The parenting classes have helped me to learn information that will allow me to support the individualized needs of my children. It is our plan to continue our involvement in programs provided by CARE.   Thank you,   Charisse A. Cossu-Kowalski   Printer Friendly Version Add to my Favorites