Advocates and service organizations gathered at John A. Logan College on Thursday, April 2, to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and connect Southern Illinois families with local support services.
The event brought together organizations from across the region that work with children and families affected by abuse, neglect and trauma. Speakers and agency representatives emphasized prevention, reporting and the importance of making support services visible in local communities.
Nanette Evans, executive director of CASA of Southern Illinois, said public awareness has improved since she began working in the field in 2007.
“I don’t think there was as much awareness about it as there is now,” Evans said. “I don’t think people talked about it. I think it was behind closed doors, confidentially, things along those lines, where I don’t know that the awareness was made.”
Evans said reading reports and testimonies from abused children can still be emotionally difficult.
“Even though it’s tough and it’s difficult, and I cry sometimes and I get emotional, imagine what those children are going through,” Evans said. “I’m just reading their stories on paper. They are living in it.”
When asked how people can help, Evans said the issue requires openness, understanding and a willingness to get involved.
“I think it’s just being understanding, being open-minded,” Evans said. “Like I said, everyone has a role to play.”
Other organizations at the event highlighted different ways they support children and families.
Shay Warren, a supervisor with Spero Family Services, said one of the most important steps is knowing what resources are available locally.
“It’s all about learning your resources in your area,” Warren said.
Representatives from Ya’ll Rock Carbondale said the organization works to empower girls, women and gender-nonconforming youth through music. The group offers a one-week summer camp for ages 8 to 18 and a six-week program for adults 19 and older.
Ashford Sternberg and Izzy Bullock said the organization aims to provide a safe and supportive environment.
“We’re just trying to provide that safe space,” one representative said.
Giant City Stables also shared information about its services, including therapeutic horseback riding. Tim Hoke, a grant writer and fundraiser for the organization, said the group hopes to raise awareness about how work with horses can benefit people.
“To raise awareness of the services we offer and how interactions with horses can change your life,” Hoke said.
Abbey Kas Barnett, a medical social worker with the Children’s Medical and Mental Health Resource Network at the SIU School of Medicine, said the work can be emotionally draining, but support among professionals is necessary.
“It can be really taxing,” Barnett said. “It’s important for us to encourage each other so we can continue in this field.”
Organizers encouraged community members to volunteer, attend local events and support agencies that work with children and families affected by abuse.
For more information, visit CASA of Southern Illinois, Giant City Stables, the SIU School of Medicine Children’s Medical and Mental Health Resource Network, Spero Family Services and Ya’ll Rock Carbondale.
