April was Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Pope County Family Collaborative, HELP Council and Safe Families for Children hosted a luncheon to honor the professionals who support families in the community. Pictured back row, left to right are Denise Gades-Doherty, Kelly Quade, Samantha Larson, Sarah Boll, Ashley Kellen, Geri Krueger, Sara Nestor, Jodee Lund, Mary Walsh and Amber Kirkwold. Front row, left to right are Kelsie Leeseberg, Jennifer Ring, Carlie Lenz and Margaret Pederson.

With support from the Pope County Family Collaborative and HELP Council, Safe Families for Children hosted a multidisciplinary lunch April 21 to honor the professionals who support families in the community, in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Attendees were honored and thanked for their contributions in strengthening and supporting families in Pope County. 

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. With the combination of prevention services and supports between families and the community, thriving families are produced.

Each attendee had an opportunity to share about the areas they have a passion for and serve in within Pope County. Safe Families for Children Intern, Samantha Larson, shared her personal story of having one person truly see her and encourage her that her life could be completely different than what she had known. Safe Families then challenged each attendee to take a pinwheel, provided by Prevent Child Abuse America, and give it to a professional who was unable to attend the lunch and recognize the ways that they make a difference with the children and families they serve. 

As professionals, Safe Families for Children knows that prevention requires partnership and that healthy individuals become healthy parents. Healthy parents create healthy families, which create healthy and thriving communities. Safe Families for Children recognizes that everyone plays a unique role in supporting families and strives to support and encourage all organizations and entities who support and strengthen the community. 

During April and throughout the rest of the year, Safe Families for Children encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Pope County a better place for children and families. By ensuring parents have the skills, knowledge and resources they need to care for their children, the social and emotional well-being of children and youth can be a factor in the prevention of child maltreatment within families and communities.

For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities, contact the West Central Minnesota division of Safe Families for Children via email at westcen-tralmn@safefamilies.net or by phone (218)671-3224.