Non-Profit To Host 'Family Fair And Walk' This Saturday

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Maryland's leading non-profit organization dedicated to building families and preventing child abuse is continuing their annual Brent A. Rosenberk Family Fair and Walk on Saturday, October 10.

Mike Schuh reports for WJZ.

The Family Tree created the event to provide a free opportunity for families to spend together.

The organization's child abuse prevention network focuses on the importance of parents connecting with children.

They believe that families who spend quality time together are stronger – and stronger families lead to a more vibrant community.

The Family Tree helps 15,000 families a year in Maryland, and Ulysses Archie is one of several success stories.

"I was in the court system," Archie said, "and they suggested -- strongly suggested -- that I take a family course or a parenting course."

He found the help he was looking for at The Family Tree, and now he's serving as a leader at the organization.

"People want to be able to get these resources, but sometimes they feel ashamed," he said. "We just want them to be able to come to the table and get what they need."

Sixty-percent of people just like Archie are referred to Family Tree by the courts. And although there are several success stories, for all the neglected kids they are able to help, two more go unreported.

They're hoping this event will broaden their reach and help as many families as possible.

The Family Fair and Walk will start at the YMCA on 33RD Street, Saturday morning at 9 a.m.

The assistant general manager for the Baltimore Ravens, Eric DeCosta, and the team will be partnering with The Family Tree for the event as well.