We received this letter from St. Mary’s Home for Children, which many of you may not know is a non-profit with Episcopal roots, for which the Bishop of RI still sits on the Board of Directors. If you are looking for a good cause to support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Bishop Knisely suggests St. Mary’s.
Dear Friend,
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to acknowledge the importance of working together to prevent child abuse and neglect and promote the emotional well being of children and families. With your help, St. Mary’s Home for Children provided therapeutic and educational services to 871 clients in 2013. Through our residential, out-patient, community-based and educational programs, we treat children and families from all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds.
In the State of Rhode Island in 2012, RI Kids Count reported that there were 13,540 calls to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families’ Child Protective Services Hotline reporting maltreatment of children. 6,784 of those calls resulted in complete investigations and 2,266 indicated child abuse or neglect. In our small state, too many children are being affected by abuse. Many of these children find a safe haven at St. Mary’s Home for Children.
The children we serve have experienced traumatic events. Our mission is not only to provide a safe environment for healing from these experiences, but also to help our clients lead fulfilling, meaningful lives – lives free from abuse and violence. We aspire to have a positive impact on the cycle of abuse by helping those we serve develop positive coping, social, and emotional regulation skills so that future generations will derive the benefits of healthy parenting.
We deliver a message of hope in all aspects of our work and find special value in providing those we serve with recreational, therapeutic and education experiences that treat the “whole” child. We recognize that our children have tremendous potential. Their abuse does not define them. For our efforts to be effective, we need your help. Funds raised from our friends and supporters enable us to provide the resources, services and activities that are instrumental in the children’s healing process.
Won’t you please support our programs during this significant month? Your gift will have a direct impact on a child in need.
Very truly yours,
Carlene Casciano-McCann
Executive Director