WHALE Program
GFWC Arizona Junior Membership
Advocates for Children
GFWC Departments Programs/Projects
“Now is the Time”. . .
. . . to learn about the ARIZONA JUNIORS’ Special Project!
The 2008-2010 Arizona Juniors’ Special Project: Advocates for Children will be focusing on Children Safety: Car Safety Seat Occupant Identification Program. It is called the W.H.A.L.E. program which stands for “We Have A Little Emergency.” WHALE is an identification program that was started in the early 1990s by Connie Day, child caregiver in Virginia, who wondered what would happen to the children in her care in the event of a car accident if she is seriously injured and unable to talk. Emergency personnel have no easy way of identifying the child or his/her special needs. Sometimes, just knowing the child’s name can help rescue workers conform a frightened child, while knowing who to contact in an emergency. The program is now recognized and used by emergency personnel in more than 34 states. Arizona Juniors would like to bring the program to Arizona.
The WHALE program provides in each packet a information card and holder, safety seat stickers and vehicle window stickers The stickers alerts emergency personnel that there is information about the child in the car set Arizona Juniors will be distributing WHALE packets throughout the state. This program is not only for Junior Clubs but for all GFWC-AZ Clubs. Arizona Juniors encourages all Arizona clubs to allocate funds to implement this program within your individual clubs or donations to support the program is greatly accepted and appreciated. Your club may report participation in this program under Public Affairs – Safety or under Junior Special Project –Advocates for Children.
If you are interested in some of the identification kits to donate to recipients in your area or hometown, please contact Penny Peterson, GFWC-AZ Director of Junior Clubs. A letter has been sent to 126 Arizona Police Departments educating them of the WHALE Program. For additional information, please contact Penny at gfwc-az@cox.net.
Thank you for your participation!