Members of Morgan County’s Partners in Prevention workgroup hosted a breakfast and award ceremony last Wednesday, April 25 at The Country Inn for community partners who work to protect children and create family supports in Morgan County.

Audrey Morris, Executive Director of Morgan County Starting Points, led the program by talking about child abuse prevention and awareness principles, and a new focus on creating positive, supportive systems for family support throughout the county. She emphasized that each community and family should decide what they need for their own stability and successful family systems.

Morgan County Schools Superintendent David Banks spoke to attendees about local public schools, progress on measurable aspects of student success and about the need for local funding for the school system via the excess levy.

Banks said he expects all throughout the school system to keep trying new approaches to tackle student needs and challenges every day.

Three individuals were honored with the annual “Whirlwind of Change” award to recognize their efforts on behalf of families and children.

Rose Jackson nominated Heather Edwards, legal assistant the Morgan County Prosecutor’s office, for her attention to keeping child abuse and neglect cases organized and coordinating the many aspects of those court proceedings, in addition to supporting families in the process.

Devin Abe nominated Paw Paw Principal Melinda Kasekamp for establishing a family atmosphere at her school, and for encouraging and caring for Paw Paw families as they move through the school grades.

Audrey Morris nominated Kathy Bradley, former DHHR regional manager, for her career of bringing many and varied people and organizations together to achieve community change in several different venues.

Several speakers said they look forward to the annual breakfast as a gathering of people in the community with the same shared goal of caring for, protecting and equipping children for success.