The Islands Sinfonia and Ginni Keith will present the first of a series of benefit concerts for the Lopez Family Options Program, which comes under the umbrella of services offered by DVSAS (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault of the San Juan Islands). The program will feature works by Haydn, Mozart, Bach, and Williams. Desserts, hot beverages and good conversation will all be had after the concert, which will be held at the Lopez Island Community Center at 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 21. There will be a requested $15 donation at the door that will go to help fund FOP (the Family Options Program).

Lopez Family Options Program is a prevention program for children and their families. It is offered through Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault of the San Juan Islands, a non-profit agency. It was created primarily for the disenfranchised people of San Juan County, and the funding received from Lopezians directly supports this program.

Children suffer when they have not been parented in a healthy way and often grow up to model attitudes and behaviors that can lead to more conflicts and abuse. FOP is designed to stop the cycle of violence. The FOP offers 12 free sessions of therapy by a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist on Lopez who works with clients to perceive and respond appropriately to their own and their children’s emotional needs. The therapists also help improve the health and functioning of families through teachable communication and parenting skills. Break the cycle of violence.

The Family Options Program can be accessed through the DVSAS Lopez office by appointment for screening and referral at: 468-3788.