For information: Vi McNally, McNally Public Relations, 916-444-8642, vmmc@sbcglobal.net; Marilyn Parker, Sacramento North Crisis Nursery,
916-679-3600

TOLL-FREE 1-877-KIDS PLACE GIVES ACCESS TO FOUR CRISIS NURSERIES

A new toll-free telephone number is now available to call four crisis nurseries in Northern California. Dialing 1-877-KIDS PLACE (1-877-543-7752) connects callers to the KARE Crisis Nursery in Nevada City, the FamiliesFirst Yolo Crisis Nursery in Davis, and the Sacramento Children's Home's two nurseries in North and South Sacramento.

Nurseries are safe places for children to stay when the family is having a crisis. A crisis is any situation or time period in which things are very uncertain, difficult, or painful, especially a time when action must be taken to avoid disaster or breakdown. A child may stay for as short a time as 24 hours or up to 30 days and all services are voluntary, confidential and at no cost to the family. Emergency daycare is available.

A crisis nursery should be called when help is needed for caring for a child due to homelessness, a drug or alcohol problem, a sudden illness or accident, domestic violence, feelings of desperation or hopelessness, or any other situation that puts a child in an unsafe environment.

Isolation and the daily challenges of parenting can create explosive situations. Seeking guidance and support may be the only solution. The toll-free telephone number offers parents and caregivers the opportunity to talk to someone and receive free advice, information and referrals.

More information is available www.crisisnurseryonline.org, www.karecrisisnursery.org, www.familiesfirstinc.org.

The toll-free line is a service of the Regional Crisis Nurseries Collaboration. Their staff and volunteers reflect cultural, ethnic, and language diversity of the region. Initial funding for the toll-free number is from HealthNet and local Soroptimist clubs.
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