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The Advocate Newsletter – August 2019

August 2019

Welcome to The Advocate Newsletter!

As store shelves are filled with school supplies, it becomes apparent that summer is almost over. It is an exciting time for many children; some are starting school for the first time and others are excited for their final year to start. We at The Child Center, Inc. are excited about the new school year too! When classes start back up that means our Prevention Education team starts teaching safety programs for children again.

For years The Child Center, Inc. has been providing Prevention Education programs to children, parents, and professionals in the communities that we serve. During the summer, the team spends time educating adults by offering Mandated Reporter Trainings. Professionals who work with the children in our community are taught how to recognize the hidden signs of abuse and how to report their suspicions.

When school starts, our Prevention Education Specialists will once again work with children in Pre-K to Middle School and discuss topics such as Body Safety, Internet Safety, Online Enticement, and Sexual Harassment. The primary focus of these programs is to educate children about appropriate boundaries and to empower victims to disclose abuse to safe and trusted adults. These conversations are so important! When a child has been taught Body Safety and it’s reinforced like other safety rules, it informs others that the child has body safety knowledge; and that child is less likely to be targeted by abusers. We encourage parents and caregivers to start and continue these conversations at home.

Prevention Tips for Parents:

  • No one should look at or touch private body parts unless the child is asking for help.
  • Knowledge of correct names for private body parts gives children the language to tell a trusted adult.
  • It’s ok to say “NO” to anyone if they are making them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Hugs and kisses are always optional.
  • Establishing a no secret rule in your family will help keep open communication in your household.
  • Be involved. Ask questions when your child is with someone else; family, friends, school.
  • Talk to your child every day and take time to really listen and observe.

By educating the adults in our community and by having conversations early and often with our children, we can change the statistics of abuse and keep our children safe. Let’s keep our children safe and help them have a great school year.

We are in this together,

 

Elphanie “Sissy” Swift
Executive Director

PS: More tips can be found here!

 Eagle Scout Builds Little Free Library in Wentzville at The Child Center, Inc.

Rylan is a Senior at Timberland High School and has been in the Boy Scouts for 12 years. Since he was in first grade, he made it his goal to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. To become an Eagle Scout you have to earn a minimum of 21 badges and do a community service project. After seeing Little Free Libraries in other communities, he thought it would be nice to bring one to Wentzville.

“Research shows that if kids read 20 minutes a day they will score 90% better on standardized tests and increase their vocabulary by 1,800,000 words per year! Having a Free Little Library located at The Child Center I think is a nice way to support the kids that are coming to the Center and a way for me to give back to my community and hopefully make it a better place,” said Hillyer.

The Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. Little Free Library book exchanges have a unique, personal touch. There is an understanding that real people are sharing their favorite books with their community; Little Libraries have been called “mini-town squares.” You can find Rylan’s Little Free Library outside of The Child Center, Inc. located at 989 Heritage Pkwy. Wentzville, MO 63385.

Welcome!

The Child Center, Inc. is pleased to welcome Lindsey Hopkins as the new Child & Family Advocate for the Wentzville office!

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies from UMSL and then completed her Master’s with an emphasis in Family Practice. She also teaches Crisis Intervention at the St. Charles Community College.

“The Child Center, Inc. means SO much to me. This is the place that really sparked my passion to work with children who’ve experienced trauma. When I was here as a student, I wasn’t aware about the amazing work, that was being done to ensure the safety and well-being of children, who’ve experienced trauma. I was amazed to see the bravery of the children and the support that was given to the kiddos and families. After completing my Bachelor’s degree practicum here, I knew I wanted to continue my education, to support children and families who’ve experienced trauma. I was constantly amazed to see how such a supportive environment, impacts a child and family. It is truly an honor and privilege to hear the story of a child and family. Anyone who knows me, knows, I’ve always wanted to work at a CAC, since I began my journey as a social worker. I can’t say enough how honored I am to be here!”

Welcome! 

The Child Center, Inc. is pleased to welcome Kate Lyle as the new Intake Coordinator at the Wentzville office!

Kate graduated from Missouri State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology. She completed three internships at the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office during her time at school and worked very closely with their Special Victim’s Unit.

“I came to work for The Child Center because during my time at the Prosecutor’s Office, I was able to visit the CAC for interviews as part of my internship. After coming here and seeing the amazing work everyone does, I was truly inspired to be a part of the difference this center and everyone here makes in the lives of these children and their families. I am passionate about their mission and am proud to be a part of the team!”

Save our Dates!

Superheroes for Kids Trivia Night – Hannibal
August 23, 2019

Toast & Taste
September 19, 2019

Strings to Mend – Hannibal
September 28, 2019

Kendra Scott Shopping Party
November 13, 2019

Superheroes for Kids Trivia Night – Wentzville
November 15, 2019

Midwest Justice for Children Conference
March 18-20, 2020

One With Courage Gala
April 18, 2020

Agency Tours

Wentzville
August 14, 2019
September 11, 2019
October 9, 2019
November 13, 2019
December 11, 2019

Hannibal
August 13, 2019
November 12, 2019

Breakfast tours are open to everyone. Feel free to invite a guest. Please RSVP to
at 636-332-0899 or info@cacnemo.org

Board of Directors

President
Julie Seymore

Vice President
Chris Schulte

Treasurer
Daniel Mudd

Secretary
Jared Howell

Melissa Bailey
Chuck Brooks
Carri DeHart
Angie Harness
Juli Hillyer
Carla Klaskin
Shane McKelvey
Brent Niederer
Jennifer Patterson
Chris W. Schulte
Timothy Trifiletti
Andy Wessel
Charla Whalen-Mueller

Stengthening Families

The Child Center, Inc. is excited about a new prevention program we have designed for parents in Lincoln & St. Charles Counties. The purpose of “Strengthening Family: Educate, Empower, End” is to protect children at a higher risk of abuse by educating their parents.

Child victims of abuse are at high risk of re-victimization later in life. More than 30 studies have reported a link between child sexual assault and sexual re-victimization in adulthood. Research has also indicated that parental alcohol abuse may be associated with the physical or sexual abuse of children. Our goal is to educate parents of children in these high-risk situations and provide them with prevention education to help lower the risk of subsequent abuse and provide them with the knowledge on how to lower the risk of their child becoming a victim.

The Child Center, Inc. is working closely with Children’s Division, Treatment Court, and Judges who can refer parents who would benefit from this program. Some have also begun writing this program into the written service agreements for families within the family court system.

This 3-week course is designed to teach parents and caregivers:
• What is child abuse and its effects
• Age appropriate sexual behaviors of children
• Indicators of child sexual abuse
• Understanding of how your choices and behaviors could affect the likelihood of your child being a victim
• Prevention tips
• How to recognize possible perpetrators
• How to respond if a child discloses to you
• How to report abuse

The Strengthening Families Course cost $30 per person and is open to everyone. Session dates and times vary and can be found on our website at www.TheChildCenter.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheChildCenterInc.

Forever Changed

Father and Daughter, Jeff Bathe and Melanie Ilgenfritz are supporters of The Child Center, Inc. and have been involved with the organization for over a year – putting children first through their commitment to our mission. Thank you for all that you do to help kids in our community!

How did you first get involved with The Child Center, Inc.?
We first got involved with The Child Center through a board member, Chuck Brooks. My grandma (Jeff’s mother) sewed these adorable kid blankets and we were looking for a good home for them. Chuck told us about TCC and we knew we needed to check it out! We brought some blankets, toured the center and learned what they were about. From then on we knew this was the place we wanted to help out and donate to!

What do you find most rewarding about your involvement with The Child Center, Inc.?
My father and I find it so rewarding knowing we are helping kids in our community directly with our donations. It is a great feeling knowing the blankets, toys, and donations we make are going directly to helping the kids during this devastating time they have to go through. We have learned so much about the process these kids and their families go through and how TCC helps them in making it easier and private. We strongly believe TCC is making a difference in these kids’ lives and helping prevent similar circumstances in the future with their awareness. We are blessed to help an organization like this one!

What are three words you think of when you think about The Child Center, Inc.?
Caring. Helpful. Supporting.

Follow us!

 

Report Child Abuse

If you suspect child abuse, call the
Missouri Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-392-3738
Online Reporting

Visionary Supporters

Right at Home – St. Charles
Mercy Kids

Mission

Responding to child abuse through a supportive team approach to reduce the trauma to children and their families.

Generously funded by

  • Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri
  • Community and Children’s Resource Board of St. Charles County
  • Lincoln County Resource Board
  • National Children’s Alliance
  • United Way of the Mark Twain Area
  • YouthBridge  Heritage Grant Fund
  • Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) administered by the U.S. Dept. of Justice and the MO Dept. of Social Services
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