by Kate Shunney
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Morgan County’s network of agencies and individuals who work to protect children gathered for a partnership breakfast and award ceremony on Wednesday, April 2 at The Country Inn.
Morgan County’s Partners in Prevention network includes Starting Points of Morgan County, the Child Advocacy Center, Child Protective Services, Morgan County Circuit Court and the 23rd Judicial Circuit, the Morgan County Prosecutor’s Office, the West Virginia State Police and Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center, the Morgan County Partnership, Morgan County Schools, community health partners and others.
Each year in April, the Partners honor individuals or groups who have contributed significantly to the effort to prevent child abuse in Morgan County and raise awareness about the issue. These people are called “Whirlwinds of Change” in connection with the image of a pinwheel, the symbol of the Partners in Prevention effort.
This year, the partners named these “Whirlwinds of Change”:
–The Berkeley Springs Lions Club, for their partnership managing the Holiday Helpers program, which provides gifts and holiday foods to local needy families,
–Becky and Arnie Stotler, community volunteers with multiple youth organizations,
— Melisha Souders, former Guardian Ad Litem (children’s court representative) and Assistant Prosecutor for Morgan County.
In introducing each recipient, Starting Points director Audrey Morris and staff member Rose Jackson shared details about the extent to which the honorees had dedicated their time and effort to making Morgan County’s community strong and healthy for children and families.
Morris pointed out that there is a renewed focus on building a resilient community in which children and families have recreational, educational, cultural and economic resources. These resources make it possible for children to thrive, recover from traumatic events when they happen, and grow healthily.
Guest speaker Dan James, Morgan County’s Prosecuting Attorney, told the partners at the gathering that he has learned important lessons over his career about handing child abuse and neglect cases, which are largely shielded from public view. He said resolving cases in a timely way is crucial, and working with community partners is critical to protecting children. He also said it’s vital that those who work in the field take care of their mental health, as the issue makes heavy impacts on individuals who are involved.
More information about Child Abuse Prevention Month and prevention resources are available from Team for West Virginia Children at https://teamwv.org/prevent-child-abuse-wv/child-abuse-prevention-month/
West Virginia’s Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline can be reached at 1-800-352-6513 at any time, day or night.
