The Valparaiso Family YMCA will be conducting a dinner for Around the Table – an organization dedicated to strengthen family relationships across Porter County, on Sunday, September 21st. This kickoff event is an initiative from Empower Porter County to combat and prevent substance abuse among teens. Studies have shown a close link been frequency of dinners that foster communication and dialogue about these issues to prevent addiction and abuse.
The Around the Table organization is based on an 18 year study conducted by the National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University who made the connection between family relationships, like conversations and sitting down to a family meal and substance abuse in teens. Around the Table initiative is a county-wide, year- long campaign of weekly dining activities.
Families will gather at the Valparaiso Family YMCA pavilion for a pot luck dinner and engage in dinner, family games, no technology, laughter and an opportunity to uncover new things about your family members. Around the Table would like to have all families in Porter County make a commitment to have a family dinner together twice a week in every household. To make a reservation for this event on Sunday, September 21st - please contact – Carol Misch by emailing her at cmisch@valpoymca.org.
“Lisa and I have raised 3 wonderful children and I have to admit the one thing that has remained constant in our lives is the commitment to eating supper as a family regularly. We always begin with what we are thankful for; we encourage conversation technology free; we focus on eating healthy foods.”