Child Sexual Abuse Prevention/Education

GlobalGiving Report — August 2025

Goodbye, Summer — Hello, Fall!

It was a short but intense summer filled with teaching, healing, learning, and bonding.

Our mighty team of two wrapped up the school year in late May and dove straight into summer work. One of us was recovering from shoulder surgery. Another tackled the whirlwind of hiring a new staff member. The third started a brand-new adventure. But through it all, we connected with each other—strengthening our bond through community outreach and learning a new curriculum.

All summer long, we led weekly in-house prevention education sessions for children visiting our agency. This 8-week series focused on safety rules, the difference between safe and unsafe secrets, and how to identify a safe adult. While successful, it was also emotionally heavy. Two children recognized us as safe adults and, through subtle cues, disclosed troubling behaviors—later confirmed in conversations with medical professionals. Moments like these remind us why this work is so crucial. Empowering children to speak up is life-changing—and often lifesaving.

June Highlights

• Attended Safe Kids Day outreach events in Lake and LaPorte Counties
• Trained summer camp counselors, many of whom work with children in both day and overnight camps
  (This session also led to a disclosure—proof that awareness training works.)

July Highlights

• Presented to staff who support individuals with disabilities
• Participated in the Indiana Prevention Education Coalition annual meeting in Indianapolis
  (It was inspiring to connect with partners across the state!)
• Supported families at the Geminus Family Picnic
• Engaged with families at the Porter County Safe Kids Day on the shores of Lake Michigan
• Began studying our new school curriculum – Monique Burr Foundation’s Child Safety Matters – just in time for fall!

August: Full Speed Ahead

• Presented to families at the local public library
• Continued intensive curriculum learning
• Began preparing for our return to the classroom on September 2nd

Meanwhile, our building is undergoing renovations and expansions—a sign of growth and continued commitment to serving our community.

While school presentations were on pause for summer, our work never stopped. We were out in the community, spreading awareness about child sexual abuse prevention, and introducing the idea to people from out-of-state who had never heard of this type of education. Our hope? That they’ll go home, talk to their local school systems, and help plant the seeds of prevention education where it’s needed most. Every child deserves safe adults in their lives.

As we head into a new school year, we’re filled with hope and determination—ready to present a new curriculum and connect with students. If we reach even one child who needs to hear “it’s okay to say no” or finds in us a safe adult they can trust, then we've done our job.

Thank you for being part of this work. Your contributions allow us to provide giveaways for families, prevention materials for students, and extras that make our programs impactful. We appreciate each and every one of you.

With gratitude,
The Prevention Education Team