Thirteen members of the Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg recently traveled to Mobile, Ala., to attend the yearly education convention of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Inc.
Every year, the 101 chapters of NAJA gather to attend educational sessions on how to better serve children in their areas, as well as attend a national awards banquet.
JA of Hattiesburg was awarded the 2010 Louise Eskrigge-Crump award in recognition for the outstanding service to families and children through a program called "Family Affair."
Breaking the cycle of dependency is the main focus of the Family Affair program. JA members identify families in need who have school-aged children, develop plans of action, and in turn establish ongoing relationships with the families.
Currently, 14 Hattiesburg area families are paired with JA members who get personally involved with each family.
