Christine Messina is the owner of Austin, Texas' The Candy Jar, a boutique that offers a variety of sweets and party services. In addition to running her business, Christine Messina supports Austin-based nonprofits including Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE).
The result of a merger between SafePlace and Austin Children's Shelter, SAFE works alongside community partners to provide comprehensive services to people who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault as well as children impacted by any form of abuse. Among other programs aimed at improving the lives and well-being of children, SAFE operates Strong Start, a program that seeks to foster resiliency in children through parent-based education.
Strong Start is strictly for parents of children under 5 years old who might be under incredible stress. While the main focus of the program is to teach parents how to positively influence their children and decrease challenging behaviors, Strong Start also includes an early childhood therapeutic element in which children and parents participate in on-site classroom sessions and at-home visits. The main topics discussed in these visits are problem solving, social development education, and communication strategies. Strong Start also provides mental health and crisis intervention services.
