Seems a tragic statement on the society in which we live when we actually have a month set aside to raise awareness of the fact that we shouldn't abuse our children.  However we do and it is April.   A month to raise awareness that every single day thousands and thousands of children are being abused in the U.S.  The abuse varies from the verbal abuse that destroys confidence and creates an atmosphere of fear to the sexual abuse that destroys trust and creates intimacy issues that can last a lifetime. 

Sadly much of the abuse is ongoing because it is being inflicted by family.  Obviously being a parent is the hardest job in the world and unfortunately many important parts of parenthood are not genetically ingrained.  However there are incredible resources available online and through Child Advocacy Agencies in nearly every county in every state.   There are parenting programs held on a regular basis to help parents learn how to better communicate with their kids, how to best discipline, and so much more.  Time is a precious commodity these days, but what is the most important job you will ever have?  Raising mentally and physically healthy children who grow up to respect family and have wonderful relationships, and who contribute to society and help others... maybe it's just me, but I would think would be high on most parents' list of "things to do".  And no it's not that easy, but who ever said it would be?

Take the time... now more than ever before the resources available to help families are abundant.  Some of those resources are listed on our website. 

The fact is that whether you have children or not you don't want to see them abused.   So get involved in your community.  Volunteer at one of the numerous nonprofit organizations whose mission is to protect children.  Again simply contact the Child Advocacy Agency in your area or contact your Sheriff's Dept. as they should be able to guide you as well.  I know I serve as the Vice-Chair for the Seminole County Child Abuse Prevention Task Force and our monthly meetings are open to the public and we encourage any interested person or organization to attend.  You'll find the meetings listed on our Calendar of Events.  CRN is also part of the Safe Kids Coalition in Orange County and the Child Abuse Prevention Task Force in Osceola County as well.  All of these monthly meetings are open to the public and all provide a variety of programs in their respective communities.

Several of the Task Forces in Florida are conducting community walks to distribute a wide variety of information throughout selected distressed communities.  Again you can volunteer to get involved or simply help spread the word and raise awareness of the need.  No time?  How many people are in your address book?   Simply forward this article and you will have done a lot.  (Click on the little envelop at the top right)  Raising awareness of the issue is the first step... only when enough people stand up and say "This is not acceptable"... only then will we truly be able to generate the changes that are needed.

Wouldn't it be nice if in the not too distant future we can say we no longer need to dedicate a month to raise awareness of child abuse?   I know the ultimate goal of Child Rescue Network is to close our doors because we are no longer needed... how's that for a business model? :)

Here at Child Rescue Network we are excited to have Michael Grace as our new Director of Corporate Relations.  Michael has been an advocate for CRN for years and has built a successful insurance company, Grace Financial Service Associates.  Now he is also helping in the vital role of fundraising for us.  As you know without funds coming in the door no business, nonprofit or otherwise, can survive long.   We are delighted to have Michael's assistance and expertise as we continue to reach more and more families with our important safety messages and tools. 

Child Rescue Network is of course a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which basically means we have certain rules we must follow and criteria to meet in order to be recognized as a tax-exempt charity.  We do... in fact, we were lucky enough to be chosen for a random audit by the IRS and were indeed found to be doing what we are supposed to do.  You can see the letter on our web site... in fact you can find our IRS tax returns and Annual Reports as well.  We want you to know that when you financially support CRN your money is being well spent.  

Michael's job is to work with corporate partners to provide the funding necessary to underwrite our safety and familiy advocacy programs so that we never have to charge a parent for any of our services.  In return we are able to quite simply make our corporate partners look good.  After-all, as consumers we understand businesses are in business to make money.  However, now more than ever we are asking "what are you doing with it", and those companies that are giving back to the community are being rewarded in so many ways.  First, it is simply the right thing to do, duh!   But it goes much deeper than that.   It is called Cause-Related Marketing and it helps everybody!   Nonprofits like Child Rescue Network are able to provide our vital programs to families and our corporate partners are seen as heroes... community minded companies that are giving back and helping to protect children!  As consumers when given a choice between two similar products or services and we know that one supports a charity, 87% of us pick the one that gives back.  So our partners can look good in the community, provide vital programs that save lives, build customer loyalty, improve employee moral, and see an actual return on investment.   Talk about your ultimate win win! 

You'll be seeing more and more Cause-Related Marketing in the years to come... because it works!  I also hope that you'll be one of those that support the companies that give back to the community... it makes everyone's lives better.

And of course I'd be remiss if I didn't take a moment to say, if you are a company or know a business owner or CEO that wants to make a real difference and help CRN reach families we have a wide variety of ways to can get involved.  You can reach Michael Grace at 407.340.1010 or me, Jeff Griesemer, at 877.209.5437 ext. 89.   If you are interested in helping to raise funds for CRN please contact me as well.  Thank you all for your incredible support.