Step Up, Speak Out: Child Abuse Awareness Block Party

Fort Smith

by ashleemilton ([email protected]) September 13, 2013 12:26 pm 96 views 

Step Up, Speak Out …..

An opportunity for you or your organization to participate.

Step Up, Speak Out is a program to bring critical awareness to our area about child abuse, especially child sexual abuse.  It is here, in our community, just like any other community.  But we can do something about it and awareness is the first step.

A committee of community leaders here in Van Buren are partnering with the Step Up, Speak Out organization to host an awareness block party.  This event will be held in the parking lot of the Van Buren Boys and Girls Club on October 9th from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  There will be free hot dogs, entertainment, children's activities and most importantly, information on how to protect children and prevent child abuse.

The Van Buren Police Department and Fire Department are involved, along with the Crawford County Sherriff's department.  Local not-for-profit agencies who deal with children and family issues will also be present. Children attending will be given a special coloring book and a free Step Up, Speak Out t-shirt.

You and your company can help.  Volunteers are needed to work children's booths, hand out materials, help direct people at the event, hand out food, etc.  Businesses and organizations can set up a booth at the event, but they must provide a children's activity.  (Bean Bag Toss, Ring Toss, Face Painting, Football Pass, etc) and provide some very small gift (candy, stickers, etc.).Some booth set ups/games for the children's activities are available. You would provide prizes and/or manpower.

Some of the organizations and companies that are already participating are:

Citizen's Bank and Trust Company
Arvest Bank
GFWC Womens League
Kiwanis Club of Van Buren

If you are interested in volunteering your time, organizing a group of volunteers from your company, or setting up a booth, then contact Cindy Faldon at the Van Buren Boys and Girls Club by calling 479-474-9401 or email at [email protected].

Step Up, Speak Out

October 9th, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Van Buren Boys and Girls Club