Special to the Daily News

The Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services heard a presentation from Sherri Eastridge of Safe Harbor Domestic Violence Program during a monthly meeting on March 22 at the Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church.

Safe Harbor provides crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter, empowerment advocacy, and other supportive services to survivors of domestic, family, and dating violence. Eastridge pointed out the harmful effects of domestic violence on children. Domestic violence usually increases in severity and frequency over time and can result in injury or death.

If you know of anyone who needs the services of Safe Harbor, call the confidential line in Franklinton (985) 839-8989.

A video presentation also featured the work of the Washington Parish Youth Council during Kick Butts Day at the Capitol. On Kick Butts Day, youth encourage their peers to stay tobacco-free, demand that tobacco companies stop marketing deadly, addictive products to them and encourage their communities to take bold action to make the next generation tobacco-free.

Tiffany Crain reported on the Drug Free Communities grant, which has been renewed for the third year, and a donation was collected for the Washington Parish Hope Center.

The coalition involves people who represent business, civic, health care professionals, law enforcement, media, parents, faith organizations, schools, state government agencies, substance abuse organizations, youth and youth-serving organizations. The coalition is open to all.

The next meeting is scheduled Tuesday, April 26, at 9:30 a.m. at Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church, with a preliminary committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

To find out more about the Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services, visit online at wpchs.weebly.com or like the coalition on Facebook at “WPCHS.”