Blog
Socially Distant but Together in Prioritizing Prevention – 5 Factors 5k Goes VIRTUAL
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to reimagine what events look like moving forward, and Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina’s (PCANC) 5 Factors 5K is no exception! With a high likelihood of social distancing restrictions still being in place in October, we have decided to shift our 5k to a virtual platform this year. Though we’re disappointed to not be able to gather in person at Dorothea Dix Park like last year, the 5 Factors (virtual) 5K is an opportunity to recruit participants from across the entire state and raise even more awareness of the role we all play in making prevention a priority. What made our 5 Factors 5K special in the past was the variety of family-friendly activities available to participants, both before and after the race. That is why we’ve created our first-ever 5K Advisory Planning Committee – to help us conceptualize and deliver on a virtual 5k that will inspire runners, walkers and families from a distance. PCANC has a talented, smart, and resourceful group of constituents who want to utilize their extra time at home creating impact within the community. With many folks working from home and canceling other activities, we’ve also had a number of incredible donors step up to help us with planning fun and meaningful content (for all ages) for a week-long event …. not just one day. Stay tuned for more information about all the events and activities your race registration gets you! We may be physically distant but we remain TOGETHER in our mission to prevent child abuse and neglect. Please join us for our first ever (maybe not last), 5 Factors (Virtual) 5k. We are excited to offer this opportunity, for both participants and volunteers, to focus time and energy on strengthening the families and children of NC – especially now. If you are interested in joining the advisory committee or hearing about our sponsorship opportunities, please contact Claire…
Supporting agencies well into COVID-19
Posted: June 26, 2020 By: Anne Korfas, Prevent Child Abuse NC Philanthropy Associate As we continue to navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19, providing support to our partner agencies and the families they work with remains a main priority. Stacey Cunningham, Prevention Programs Specialist, supports eight agencies implementing Circle of Parents in central and eastern North Carolina. The purpose of Circle of Parents is to provide a place where parents can connect with and learn from each other while building the protective factors that reduce the risk of abuse and neglect. As with all the parenting programs that Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) supports, COVID-19 has introduced new challenges to implementing Circle of Parents, which was designed to be hosted in person. Nearly all the agencies Stacey works with shifted quickly and are providing virtual support to families, with the goal of staying connected to families during this time of need. Stacey often serves as a sounding board to assist with brainstorming and problem solving. Agencies are finding new and different ways to engage with families, including: dropping off food/diaper/supply boxes delivering craft/prop boxes for children writing interactive posts and sharing resources via social media offering drive-thru food conducting 1:1 calls and hosting virtual group meetings Families, dealing with more stress than ever, have welcomed these concrete supports and virtual support groups; however, many families and agencies are eager to resume face-to-face group meetings. Though it is not yet clear whether agencies will offer virtual Circle of Parents support groups or transition back to in-person groups this summer, Stacey is committed to helping agencies identify next steps forward. The stress of COVID-19 is far-reaching, and self-care is an important conversation topic that continues to emerge between Stacey and the agencies. Stacey listens for challenges, needs, and opportunities to celebrate, as well as provides encouragement, praise, and reassurance. When asked what she is most proud of working with agencies to guide them through this unprecedented time, Stacey replied, “It is my pleasure to continue working with agencies to think through their processes and challenges when it comes to connecting with families virtually. I try my best to be a calm presence, offering validation and reassurance.” We are grateful for Stacey and the entire Prevention Programs Team, whose commitment to providing high quality parenting program support during this difficult time remains…
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: JULIE DONATES PART OF COVID-19 STIMULUS CHECK
Posted: June 24, 2020 Contributed by: Julie, a Prevent Child Abuse NC donor Meet Julie! She is a Clinical Research Coordinator at UNC and new donor to Prevent Child Abuse NC. When we learned that Julie’s gift came from part of the COVID-19 stimulus check she received this spring, we were so touched by her generosity and wanted to know more about her. “I moved to North Carolina in 2017 from Boston where I worked as Director of a Children’s Therapeutic After School Program. While this position was rewarding, it was also heartbreaking to know that most of the kids I was serving were returning to an abusive/dangerous environment at the end of each day despite the efforts made by their educational system, community, and family members. It was my experience in Boston that solidified my passion for helping at-risk youth and their families. When I came to North Carolina, I wanted to continue giving back to these individuals either through my career or community engagement. I spent a lot of time researching NC resources and organizations to better understand what is available in the area and who is doing it right. Prevent Child Abuse NC is one of those organizations. Though I am only able to give back in small amounts, I am grateful to know that my donation will be put to good use for kids in our community who so desperately need our help.” Thank you, Julie, for your generosity and fierce dedication to making prevention a priority in North…
Now More Than Ever, Remaining Anchored in Prevention, Responsive to Needs
Posted: June 19, 2020 By: Jed Hysong, CPA, Prevent Child Abuse NC Board Chair Serving as Board Chair of Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) during this stressful time has been a humbling reminder for me of our shared humanity and vulnerability. Like all families in North Carolina, my family and I have experienced feelings of uncertainty, frustration, and sorrow. However, I remain anchored in deep gratitude for, and trust in, the mission of PCANC and how it ties us all together. I am grateful for the resilience, creativity, and quick action of the PCANC leadership and staff as they have adapted to working remotely, knowing now, more than ever, that families with children are vulnerable and in need of support. I am grateful for the commitment of my fellow Board members in making prevention a priority, even during a crisis. I am grateful for donors like you that partner with us in serving the children and families of North Carolina. By donating today, you ensure that our Prevention Program Specialists continue to support partner agencies as they engage and help parents through this crisis, while also navigating decisions about reopening their doors; that we can continue advocating for policies that support families facing the stress and disruptions resulting from COVID-19; and that our parent and caregiver resource guide is distributed widely to promote families’ well-being during this crisis and beyond. It is imperative that PCANC continues to support the children and families of North Carolina as well as the agencies that serve them during this stressful time. We absolutely cannot do this without YOU. Please Give today to help us reduce the risk of child maltreatment and to make prevention a priority in the weeks, months, and years to come. Thank you for your generous and greatly needed investment in the children and families of North Carolina. Please take good care of yourselves, your families, and your loved ones. Sincerely, Jed Hysong, CPA PCANC Board Chair P.S. Your gift today is doubled by our partner, ChildTrust…
Turning lemons into shamrocks
Over the years, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) has been incredibly fortunate to have ongoing partnerships with local Kappa Delta chapters. One of the national sorority’s philanthropic efforts is focused on child abuse prevention, and a significant part of their fundraising efforts take place each spring when Kappa Delta chapters host a “Shamrock” event.
Educators, Essential Workers & Volunteers: Help Keep Kids Safe
North Carolina law requires all adults to report suspected child maltreatment. Times of crisis puts families under great stress and can lead to significant increases in the risk of child maltreatment. North Carolina is experiencing a rise in both domestic violence and child abuse cases as families are socially isolated and the unemployment rate skyrockets. With stay-at-home orders in place, children may not have much interaction with any adults outside their home. But anyone who interacts with children or families in any capacity can help protect children from the increased risk of child maltreatment.
COVID-19 Update: Keeping our children, families & communities safe
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) is weighing the possible impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on our partners, the children and families they serve, and our team. We have also been closely following the international and national information about the virus and regularly monitoring the NC Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) websites for the most up-to-date information.
COVID-19 and lack of paid sick leave: Child safety a concern
With the rising concerns about COVID-19, we worry about the impact on children. Public health recommendations will likely require anyone with symptoms to stay home and avoid public areas, for up to 2-3 weeks. Without paid sick leave, the financial hardship for many workers could lead to consequences on children’s safety.
Turning the Tide with Catholic Charities of the Tar River
Pitt County is a great place to live because it has many features of the big city but still is small and connected. Greenville is a diverse city, home to East Carolina University and a major medical center, but also has a 24% poverty rate. The populations Catholic Charities of the Tar River Region serve vary. About half of our population is considered elderly; a third are Hispanic, the rest are African American and white; all live in poverty.
Connecting for Prevention: We are more than our ACE score
The first time I heard about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) was in a committee meeting about childhood and community resilience. I had worked with youth and families for over a decade as a family educator, behavior specialist and autism professional but the wording and acronym, ACEs, were new to me. Once I learned what specific experiences were included in the conversation around ACEs, I immediately thought about the number of ACEs I experienced in my childhood. I would later find out that I was not the only person in the room whose mind went there.