Tribune staff writer

Three and a half years ago Carol Woodruff decided to give back to the organization that helped ensure a healthy future for her children. Woodruff is a volunteer facilitator and chairperson of the advisory team at Family Support Network, a group dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Woodruff went to a group called Parents Anonymous in Minneapolis after the birth of her first child because she grew up in an abusive household and feared she could become one. Now she coordinates weekly parenting classes for people who are dealing with difficult issues, or ones who just want to know if they’re yelling too much.

&uot;The best part of this work is watching people change before your eyes,&uot; said Woodruff. &uot;Its a chain reaction, when the parents are happy so are the children.&uot;

Meetings of the family support group are Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Free childcare is provided, the meeting is also free. For more information or to volunteer contact the Family Support Network at 377-7665.