Knox Mayor Dennis Estok recently signed a proclamation that recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The proclamation states that children are vital to the future success of the state and the county, prosperity, and quality of life, as well as being our most valuable assets. Children deserve to have the safe, stable, nuturing home and communities they need to foster their healthy growth and development.
Child abuse and neglect is a community responsibility affecting both the current and future quality of life of a community. Communities that provide parents with the social support, knowledge of parenting and child development, and concrete resources they need to cope with stress and nuture their children ensure all children grow to their full potential.
The proclamation further states that the mayor calls upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, elected leaders and businesses to increase participation in efforts to support families thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the community in which we live.
According to information provided by the Starke County Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, or CADA, in January 2024, Starke County Department of Child Services officials reported 22 out-of-home placements of children in need of services.
Additionally, the Phoenix House is a place where clients and children flee from abusive situations. There is a need for supplies there including paper towels, dryer sheets, dish soap, shampoo, deodorant, baggies, toilet paper, laundry detergent, batteries, Kleenex, 13-gallon garbage bags, lysol wipes, bleach, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tin foil, cleaning supplies, toilet bowl cleaner, liquid hand soap, and saran wrap. To make a donation, call 574-772-3331 for information on how to get the items to a CADA official.
