Community heroes recognized

The Family Support Council applauds and congratulates all of the school administrators, teachers, social workers and local business owners who participated in the Heroes Against Child Abuse Campaign for 2008. Their support and dedication enable Family Support Council to continue to provide a variety of services to local children and families who have been touched by the devastating effects of child abuse and neglect.

An example of the many services the Family Support Council offers at no cost to children is Camp Aim, a two-week camp for children between the ages of 6 and 14 who have been sexually abused. Inez Cannon, Camp Aim director, leads a highly trained staff in therapeutic and recreational activities to help children survive and deal with their former abusive situation. Mary Smith, a FSC prevention specialist, coordinates a program called Kids On The Block with a local group of volunteers. They bring difficult subjects such as child abuse and bullying to our local school children with an imaginative puppet show.

This year the Heroes Campaign raised approximately $25,000 from local schools and businesses across Whitfield and Murray counties. Each year the Family Support Council honors the school that raises the most money for the Heroes Against Child Abuse Campaign with $500. This year the school being honored is Eton Elementary. They were recently recognized at the Pinwheels for Prevention Ceremony in both Whitfield and Murray counties with a check and a plaque given by Holly Rice, executive director of the Family Support Council.

The school runners up for this achievement were Varnell Elementary and Dug Gap Elementary. Each school participating is an invaluable partner in the fight against child abuse and neglect. During 2007 there were 1,792 reported cases of child abuse or neglect in Whitfield County. In Murray County there were 637 cases reported. Other than raising money for local prevention efforts, the Heroes Campaign is also about awareness and the opportunity to share information with children and parents alike in our community about preventing child abuse and building healthy relationships.

The following schools participated in the Heroes Against Child Abuse Campaign for 2008:1st Place — Eton Elementary; 2nd Place — Varnell Elementary; 3rd Place — Dug Gap Elementary, Antioch Elementary, Beaverdale Elementary, Blue Ridge Elementary, Brookwood Elementary, Chatsworth Elementary, City Park Elementary, Cohutta Elementary, Coker Elementary, Dawnville Elementary, Eastside Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Northwest Elementary, Park Creek Elementary, Pleasant Grove Elementary, Roan Street Elementary, Spring Place Elementary, Tunnel Hill Elementary, Westwood Elementary, Valley Point Elementary, Woodlawn Elementary, Bagley Middle, Dalton Middle, Eastbrook Middle, Gladden Middle, New Hope Middle, North Whitfield Middle, Westside Middle, Valley Point Middle, Murray County High School and Northwest Whitfield High School.

The following businesses and individuals contributed to the Heroes Against Child Abuse Campaign by being a Superhero ($500 supporter) or a Hero ($100 supporter):

Superheroes

Brown Industries, Lyle Industries, Precious Possessions

Heroes

Appalachian Community Bank; The Book Nook & Cubby Hole Café; Brooker Ford; Bobbie and Norman Burkett; Carpet Capital Vending; Central Church of Christ; Clark, Davies & Easley Insurance; Classic Tufting; Cohutta Bank; Cut Ups Hair Salon; Dalton-Whitfield Bank; F&R; Sales Inc.; First Georgia Banking Co.; The Hooper Family; In Memory of Tom Howell; Jarrett’s Business Machines; The Jolly Family; Leonard Insurance Agency; Little Rome; Los Pablos; Murray County Family Connection; North Georgia Toyota; Northwest Truck Service; Oakwood Café; Party With Me; Pippin Insurance Agency; Premier Tape; Regions Bank; Roberts Rentals; Shawn Chapman Funeral Home; and Terry’s Easy Pick-up & Delivery.

The 2008 Heroes Against Child Abuse Campaign has truly been a community effort. The Family Support Council believes that all children have the right to be valued and live in a safe and healthy environment. The Family Support Council exists to create a model community in which all children are safe, nurtured and empowered to reach their full potential. The FSC staff members are available for presentations and workshops related to child abuse and many other family issues. Please call (706) 272-7919.