FROM STAFF REPORTS

On Dec. 4, state Rep. Arnold Mooney and Owens House founder Robby Owens visited Owens House-The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center with a special gift.

Mooney provided the child abuse center with a $5,000 educational grant to assist with the center’s personal safety education programs this year. Education funds for CACs are scarce, and Owens House provides in-school education to more than 5,000 children annually as mandated by Erin’s Law which passed on June 11, 2015. This law mandates training for school personnel and child sexual abuse prevention programs for all children in K-12 in public schools in Alabama.

Owens House Executive Director Cindy Greer said the programs have led to safety for many children who otherwise would have remained silent and endured ongoing abuse.

Owens House counselors and their special friend, Reggie the Raccoon, teach children how to speak up, who to talk to and that their body is their own. Hula-hoops demonstrate boundaries, puppets describe how to help a friend and safe people are identified with children.

These age-appropriate, fun and interactive activities equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to get help and to stop abuse.

“Just as we teach children fire safety rules, we must teach our children about personal safety. Each year, Owens House interviews over 350 children related to reports of abuse, the vast majority with allegations of sexual abuse by someone they know and trust,” Greer said. “We must help our kids become less vulnerable.”

Owens House is thankful for the vision of former District Attorney Robby Owens. In 1993, he developed the center and abuse victims have been able to seek help, support, healing and justice.  The generous donation obtained by Rep. Mooney will help Owens House to continue educating children in Shelby County and Pelham Schools. If you would like more information on child abuse education or prevention, please contact Owens House CAC at 669-3333 or shelbycountycac@bellsouth.net.