The average stay at a safe house is 60 days; the facilities offer comfortable respite for both women and children.
with childhood trauma. O’Connell reports that one in four families is struggling with issues behind closed doors, and she recalls parents who were seeking counseling for a 4-year-old. They also had a 7-year- old, and during the interview, he described himself as the man of the house, who took care of things. Further probing revealed that the father had health issues, and the family was under financial strain, so the mother was working multiple jobs. Subsequently, the whole family got counseling so the parents could address their issues and learn parenting techniques that allowed them to take the burden off their
older child. All six preschools offer more traditional programs, as well. Enrollment is open to anyone in Sonoma County, with state-
subsidized care for low-income families, as well as private-pay slots, giving families a secure place for their infant, toddler and preschool- aged children to play, learn and grow. Quality, affordable childcare is available at preschools in Forestville, Guerneville, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Two Rock/Petaluma; the care includes meals, circle time and a low teacher-to-child ratio. The newest, for children DUNCAN GARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY
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duncangarrettphoto.com duncan@duncangarrettphoto.com 707-326-4434
January 2025
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