March 2018 Volunteer Training – Graduates

Congrats to our latest class of graduates who completed a rigorous 25 hour training curriculum in order to provide service and support to victims of child abuse and sexual assault.   Thank you all!

 

L to R: Candice Cawood, Chris Frontera, Melissa Macias, Sarah Gibson

Child Abuse Prevention article – shared from Childhelp.org website

Child Abuse Prevention


Each day more than five children die as a result of abuse or neglect. On average, a child abuse report is made every 10 seconds for a total of approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports annually. Childhelp has developed the following child abuse prevention guidelines to help keep your child, or a child you care for, from becoming a statistic.

Child Abuse Prevention Guidelines

  • Never discipline your child when your anger is out of control.
  • Participate in your child’s activities and get to know your child’s friends.
  • Never leave your child unattended, especially in the car.
  • Teach your child to use their voice to allow them to prevent abuse in their own life.
  • Ask questions; for example, when your child tells you he or she doesn’t want to be with someone, this could be a red flag.
  • Listen to them and believe what they say.
  • Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior or attitude and inquire into it.
  • Teach your child what to do if you and your child become separated while away from home.
  • Teach your child the correct names of his/her private body parts.
  • Be alert for any talk that reveals premature sexual understanding.
  • Pay attention when someone shows greater than normal interest in your child.
  • Make certain your child’s school or day care center will release him/her only to you or someone you officially designate.

To learn more about child abuse prevention, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD® (1-800-422-4453). The 24/7 hotline is staffed with professional counselors who offer information about child abuse prevention as well as crisis intervention, literature and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service and support resources.

  • This article was shared from the Childhelp.org website

You may also contact Beyond Abuse – your local Children’s Advocacy Center – 864 227 1623

Eclipse 8 21 17

The staff took a few minutes to observe the once in a lifetime total eclipse today!!!  What an experience!  We actually saw the squirrels rtn to their nest and heard the tree frogs start singing.

 

Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office makes donation to agency

Beyond Abuse was recently awarded a $7,500 grant from the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office. The funds were made available by the Victims Fines, Fees, and Assessments fund which is managed by the State office of Victims Assistance (SOVA). These funds can only be used for Direct Victim Services. These funds will allow the agency to continue to offer timely services such as forensic interviews, advocacy, counseling, and crisis response to victims of child abuse and sexual assault in Greenwood County. “This is a testament to the strong and supportive working relationship that exists between the agency and law enforcement” stated Cathy Miller, Executive Director of Beyond Abuse.

pictured below presenting the check is John Long,Officer in charge of Professional standards with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s office, Cathy Miller, Executive Director of Beyond Abuse, and Greenwood County Victims Advocates, Zara Hudson and Catie Maffett

 

1st Baptist Volunteer Day April 29, 2017

Members of 1st Baptist Church  spent several hours on Saturday moving file cabinets and painting to convert a storage room into a future therapy office.   What a difference!  Thanks to Nan and the crew!!!

 

Just another day at the office – Samantha & Brook

Child Therapist, Samantha Black, and Therapy dog Brook, take a few minutes to reconnect after a session.  

Welcome new staff members!!!

Beyond Abuse is happy to announce the following new staff members to our team:

Deanna Kelly – Victim Advocate

Mary-Beth Powell – Forensic Interviewer

Maria Roman – Victim Advocate

Alison Romagnoli – Manager of Accounting

Claire Wieters – Prevention Specialist

A tribute to Laura Kazee 1956 – 2016

We are deeply saddened at the agency over the sudden death of Laura Kazee, our Director of HR and Finance.  Laura has been with Beyond Abuse since May of 2008.  We will miss you Laura!Laura headshot

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held April 16, 2016

Volunteers were recognized for their service to Beyond Abuse at an appreciation luncheon held April 16th. Lainey Fenn was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.

Vol Appr Lunch April 2016 group

Vol Appr Lunch April 2016 vol of the year

Victim Services Manager, Elizabeth Wise presents plaque to Lainey Fenn as Volunteer of the Year.