Centerstone, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit providers of community-based mental health and addiction services, is among 19 agencies in Rutherford and Cannon Counties participating in the fourth annual "19 Days of Activism for the Prevention of Abuse and Violence against Children and Youth." This worldwide awareness event--held every year November 1-19 and sponsored in 2014 by the Women's World Summit Foundation--focuses on the impact that addiction and substance abuse have on children and youth.

Centerstone joined the "19 Days" awareness effort due in part to its Therapeutic Intervention, Education and Skills (TIES) program for children 18 and younger who are at risk of being placed outside the home because of a parent's or caretaker's substance use.

"Centerstone is proud to support the efforts of 19 Days of Activism," said TIES program coordinator, Richard A. Boyd, MSW. "For nearly 60 years, Centerstone has worked diligently to provide mental and behavioral health services to a wide range of people, including at-risk youth. It is our hope that this initiative raises awareness for this critical issue in Rutherford and Cannon Counties and across Middle Tennessee."

Services of the TIES program include intensive in-home therapy, crisis intervention, skill-building, case management, referral services and Seeking Safety--a component to address trauma. The program was recognized in April 2014 for its work for the children of Rutherford Country at a Child Abuse Awareness Month event held by the Department of Children Services (DCS) in Murfreesboro.

TIES is a free program provided through a grant from the Administration for Children and Families that is managed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. It serves Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Davidson, Marshall, Rutherford and Warren Counties. For more information about TIES, call 888-291-4357 (HELP).

Local efforts in 19 Days of Activism are being coordinated by the Child Advocacy Centers in Rutherford and Cannon Counties. For more information on the global 19 Days of Activism initiative, please visit the Women's World Summit Foundation website at 19days.woman.ch.

About Centerstone

Centerstone, a not-for-profit organization, has provided a wide range of mental health and addiction services to people of all ages for more than 55 years. Through more than 50 facilities and 160 partnership locations across Middle Tennessee, Centerstone serves 50,000 children, adolescents, adults and seniors each year. Centerstone is accredited by CARF International and a member organization of the National Football League's NFL Life Line. For more information about Centerstone, please call 888-291-4357 or visit www.centerstone.org.