And then there are social agencies that have become a part of that trend. One in particular, Every Child Succeeds, is one that Mandy Clark would recommend to anyone.

        “It has been a very helpful program for me, my children and husband,” said Mrs. Clark, of Westwood. ECS is a voluntary program that offers first-time mothers and their families support.

        “It has helped me with transportation, how to organize, how to discipline and all-around child care,” Mrs. Clark said. “It is really an extended family for me.”

        ECS celebrated its third anniversary this week, noting that members of its first class of 200 ECS graduates are going into Head Start or other preschool programs.

        “This is a significant milestone,” said Judith B. Van Ginkel, president of the ECS unit at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She said 1,600 mothers are enrolled.

        The mothers get frequent home visits, training and education in parenting, problem-solving and child health development.

        “They have free classes and if you want to attend, they provide transportation,” Mrs. Clark said.

        The three founding partners of ECS are Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency/
       Head Start, and United Way & Community Chest.

        For more information about ECS, call 636-2834.

        It is time to select your favorite artist to receive a $3,000 Aid to Individual Artists Award.

        Summerfair Inc., a Cincinnati-based nonprofit arts organization, is accepting applications for the awards. To get an application, call Summerfair at 531-0050 or e-mail summerfair@fuse.net. Applications must be received by Aug. 16.

        The grants are intended to provide money directly to artists in Greater Cincinnati.

        Kevin Reynolds, Summerfair administrator, said grant money can be used to buy supplies, defray exhibition expenses, rent studio space, or anything that will help artists devote time to art.

        Applicants must submit color slides of their work and an explanation of how they will use the grant.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs daily except Saturday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.
       

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