The work that Child Enrichment does is largely behind-the-scenes, as staff members help children who are pulled out of abuse and neglect and introduce them into an unfamiliar world involving law enforcement, social workers and foster care.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and several fundraisers are underway to assist the organization in its work.
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“We’ve outgrown our space,” said Maureen McManus, development specialist. Lack of space has led to a backlog in some of the programming the organization offers. Fundraisers help with regular operating expenses as well as a future expansion program.
The first event is a poker run scheduled for Saturday, April 17, at Timm’s Harley-Davidson, 4200 Belair Rd. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. with kickstands up at noon.
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Harley-Davidson is the first stop on the run, which will consist of four additional stops to pick up cards. Each stop will feature a different activity. Food, a live auction, a live band, a bike show and a 50-50 drawing are all part of the day. The bike show winner will be announced at 6:30 p.m.at the final stop, S.W.R. Clubhouse, 4355 Forrest Rd.
The inaugural Pullin’ For Kids clay shoot will be May 1 at Pinetucky Gun Club. Registration is $500 for a team of four. Lunch is included in the registration. A variety of side games as well as raffles will be part of the event.
An ongoing fundraiser takes places at the organization’s website, childenrichment.org.
“Pinwheels for Prevention is a national public awareness campaign during child abuse prevention month every April. The use of pinwheels as a symbol are visual reminders that we all play a role in ensuring happy and healthy childhoods for all children everywhere,” according to the website.
By making a contribution, donors can designate a child for Child Enrichment to send a package of seeds and a pinwheel coloring sheet too. The first name of the child will be placed on the website.
McManus said it’s a positive way to help children grow a better future.
Child Enrichment has two major programs, the Child Advocacy Center and the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
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“We served 1,087 children last year,” McManus said.
Child Enrichment serves children in nine counties including Richmond, Burke and Columbia. It also assists children in the Toombs Judicial District which is comprised of McDuffie, Taliaferro, Lincoln, Glascock, Warren and Wilkes.
Last year, CASA served 405 children.
“CASA volunteers help save the emotional and physical lives of children who experience abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers agree to stay involved with their child client or sibling group until each has a safe and permanent home,” according to the website.
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The Child Advocacy Center works to lessen the trauma for children and served 682 children last year.
“The CAC provides video-recorded forensic interviews of children after an allegation of abuse has been made. This is a unique service offered exclusively by specially trained forensic interviews at the CAC,” the website said.
McManus said the center needs additional space for privacy as well as to record these interviews.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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