<< Back 5/29/02 Grant to help SAFE with children’s program SMN A $2,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina will allow children living at the Swain/Qualla SAFE shelter a chance to participate in the Summer Fun Program June 3 through Aug. 2. The program will allow these children to relax, kick back, and have fun. Among the planned activities are a day at Santa’s Land, picnics and tubing at Deep Creek, and a rafting adventure on the Tuckaseigee. Typically, children who live in families affected by domestic or sexual violence don’t have much chance to relax. They’re always on guard for the next eruption of hostility, too tense to have much fun. Family interactions are often stressful, and money to “go places and do things” is usually scarce. Children living in the shelter don’t even have the option of playing with their regular playmates. Swain/Qualla SAFE hopes to change that with the Summer Fun Program. Youngsters can learn that it’s fun to go on picnics and do low-cost things. They can learn the importance of teamwork, pet friendly animals, or ride the Rudi-coaster, screaming and giggling with the other kids. To learn more about SAFE or its programs call Ronnie McKay at 488.9038.