Darkness to Light Blog

Chamber aims to prevent child abuse

erikar@D2L.org — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:27:15 +0000

Area professionals learned this week how to help a sexually-abused child as a county agency shed light on the subject.

Blair County (PA) Chamber of Commerce’s Growth and Relationships of Young Professionals program hosted the “Stewards of Children, Darkness 2 Light” child abuse training at the Devorris Downtown Center.

The Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center trained 90 people, said Jessica Meck, the chamber’s membership services and development vice president.

The program has been offered since 1997, Joddie Walker, the center’s executive director, said.

The nationally-recognized prevention program believes keeping kids safe from child sexual abuse is an adult’s responsibility, she said.

“Children are often taught how to keep themselves safe from sexual abuse – and that’s important for them to learn – but it’s no substitute for adult responsibility,” she said. “We make sure children wear seat belts. We walk them across busy streets. We store toxic household cleaners out of reach. Why, then, would we leave the job of preventing child-sexual abuse solely to children?”

To read the full article in the Altoona Mirror click here.

Child Advocacy Program, others, awarded grants

erikar@D2L.org — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:36:41 +0000

Twelve agencies are making a difference with the help of grants from the Northern Chautauqua County Foundation (NY). More than $40,343 was awarded to community agencies which will use the money for various projects.

The agencies were recently awarded checks at an open house reception. Among those awarded was the Child Advocacy Program (CAP). The CAP program will use grant monies to fund its Steward of Children training and rental fees for a location in Northern Chautauqua County.

Pictured, from left: Brian Masciadrelli, CAP board of directors, north county awareness committee chair and social work program director for SUNY Fredonia; Priscilla Koch, board of directors for NCCF and member of the grant committee; and Jana McDermott, executive director of CAP.

To read the full article in the OBSERVER, click here.

Delaware Universities Taking Prevention Seriously!

erikar@D2L.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:03:53 +0000

Wilmington University, among other Universities in Delaware, have agreed to work with Darkness to Light’s Authorized Facilitators to train their faculty and staff in Stewards of Children. The Athletics Department at Wilmington University was among the first to get trained. Next the public safety departments, education colleges and other general staff are getting trained.

This training is just a small part of the state’s goal to train 35,000 citizens over a 5 year period.

To view photos from the first Stewards of Children training at Wilmington University for the Athletics Department click here. This training was conducted by Deputy Attorney General & Authorized Facilitator of Stewards of Children, Janice Rowe Tigani.

A Prevention Movement Underway in Bermuda

Tyler Gilliam — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:28:18 +0000

I (Cindy McElhinney) just returned from Bermuda where I assisted SCARS (Saving Children and Revealing Secrets) with the first ever Stewards of Children training there. Presenting to a group of community stakeholders that included members of law enforcement, child and family services, the family center, the women’s resource center, counselors, teachers, and coaches, the session was very well received and the group is excited about making Stewards a part of their prevention efforts in Bermuda. Thanks to Debi Ray-Rivers and Jon Brunson of SCARS, my most gracious hosts, and all the fabulous folks I met in Bermuda. I was inspired by their passion and commitment to the protection of all Bermuda’s children.

Facilitators (L-R): Cindy McElhinney (D2L), Cathy Kennedy, Jon Brunson, Debi Ray-Rivers, and Chrissy Frith

Court ruling on sexual predator monitoring, cause for concern to some.

Tyler Gilliam — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:46:11 +0000

PLEASE CLICK ON TITLE TO SEE VIDEO.

An interesting look into public opinion regarding the treatment of pedophiles, as well as the larger issue of child sexual abuse prevention. In the video, one man is quoted as saying, “Sexual predators should be monitered. How else are we going to protect our kids?” It’s a great question, and one we, at D2L, work to answer everyday.

Discover ways to prevent sexual abuse HERE.

Wilmington University Teams up with Darkness to Light for Stewards of Children Certification

erikar@D2L.org — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:41:20 +0000

It goes without saying that child sexual abuse is a very complex problem. Although there is no substitute for the advice of professionals, the Wilmington University athletic department took a major step forward in educating itself in ways to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through the Darkness to Light Steward of Children program on Monday night.

To read more, click here.

Monsoon Solo: Voices Once Submerged – Gretl Claggett

Tyler Gilliam — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:02:38 +0000

“Happy Hour.”

When women laugh at jokes they don’t find funny
and men tell stories only half-true, I recall how,

at his house, my parents and their friends welcomed in the weekends.
How they’d sit by the fireplace wishing

the flame’s ribbons could tie up life’s loose ends. How they’d never
see him lead me from the room and up the stairs,

martini in hand. Olives bobbing like bloodshot eyes. After, cleanup:
a monogrammed handkerchief, the quick zip of pants, he’d

slip a silver dollar into my pocket — Good girl.

An excerpt from Gretl Claggett’s new book Monsoon Solo: Voices Once Submerged. Learn more HERE.

Greater Tri-Valley Y Leading Child Abuse Prevention Effort

Elizabeth Warren — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:11:14 +0000

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month, and this month as well as throughout the year, the YMCA of Greater Tri-Valley encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our communities safe.

“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children,” said Maryalice Golden, Marketing Manager. “Everyone’s participation is critical.”

The Tri-Valley Y is in a partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, The Redwoods Group, and Darkness to Light to provide tools and resources to the community in order to better protect kids.

http://www.madisoncountycourier.com/2012/04/21/ymca-leading-the-way-in-child-abuse-prevention-effort/

D2L Team Meets Marilyn Van DeBur

Cindy McElhinney — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:49:39 +0000

Jolie, Liz, Erika and I traveled to Aiken South Carolina yesterday to hear Marilyn Van DeBur, former Miss America and incest survivor, speak at a luncheon in support of The Child Advocacy Center of Aiken County.

Marilyn is a featured survivor in D2L’s Stewards of Children training video so we feel like we already know her. But, it was such a privilege to hear her speak in person and an honor to meet her. It was an opportunity to thank her for being such a powerful voice for survivors everywhere and an important advocate for children and the prevention of sexual abuse. She is truly an inspiration. To read more about the sold out event in Aiken, click here.

JSon Partners with Darkness to Light to Speak Out for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

erikar@D2L.org — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:20:38 +0000

Christian artist, JSon, has joined the movement to end child sexual abuse.

Together in a Twitter chat, @JSon116 and @Darkness2Light will speak out about the issue and empower others to prevent child sexual abuse on Wednesday, April 25 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CST). Simply use the Twitter hashtag #JSonGP to follow along and engage in conversation during the specified time. Follow @Lampmode for a first look at the twitter chat questions.

JSon’s 2012 album release, Growing Pains, reached #4 on iTunes Hip-Hop Chart through a deeply personal chronicle of his family’s last year of life. His grippingly passionate song, “Secrets,” tackles child sexual abuse head on and offers a redemptive conclusion to tragic events. While JSon has not experienced abuse personally, a close loved one has. Chat participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to the person for which the song was written.

“Young girls and boys who have been sexually abused may never speak out,” says JSon. ”‘Secrets’ is a powerful song because it gives a voice to the silent.”

To view ‘Secrets’ please visit youtube.