03/19/02
Sherilee Chapman
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Program
The Walla Walla Council on Child Abuse and Neglect has been working to bring about a community without child abuse since 1983. Three members from the Walla Walla Council for Child Abuse Prevention visited with Exchange on Monday about the current goings-on with the Council: Teri Barker, Susan Stewart-Rickleman and Richard Pankl. All members of the Council are volunteers; there are no paid employees. The mission of the council is to bring about the prevention of child abuse and neglect throughout Walla Walla County, promoting children's protection and well-being through mobilizing and coordinating community resources. Teri led a group reading of "A Prayer for Children," by Marian Wright Edelman to begin their talk. Susan shared some statistics on how kids in the Walla Walla County are doing. Of note: of the 1,288 referrals to Child Protective Services in 2001, 406 merited further investigation. Richard then shared a variety of ways that the Council partners with both individuals and the community to bring about the fulfillment of its mission. They include community education, the Children's Forum, professional workshops, child safety awareness campaigns, a community interview center (not currently active), the Court Appointed Special Advocate, as well various legislative, state and national resources. What needs doing: Child care 0-6 years of age, as well as perinatal programming 0-3 years. Also needing to be addressed is our high rate of teen pregnancy (49.2/1000 as compared to the Washington state average of 36.3/1000), and crisis care for victims of domestic violence and battering, as well as child abuse. Top priorities are on parents raising kids ages 0-6. Plans are in place for ongoing education on early brain development and the importance of good parenting.
How can I help the Walla Walla Council on Child Abuse and Neglect? Here's what you can do:
*Join the Council.
*If you are concerned about a specific child, talk to a professional about it, and consider whether it needs to be reported.
*Advocate for and support laws and resources for at-risk families and children.
*Take an active role. Remember, the well-being of children benefits everyone.
To help, contact any of the Council members who are also Exchangites: Teri Barker, Richard Pankl or Susan Stewart-Rickleman. You can phone the Council at 525-1872.
Greeters
Jeffrey Townsend, Coffey Communications, and Linda Emmerson, Walla Walla College
Pledge
Karen Wolf, Campfire
Invocation
Cindy Williams, Walla Walla College
Convention Raffle
Mark Daltoso, and Lyle Hansen, Baker Boyer Bank, gave it a shot. No orange ball again. Pot goes to $80 next week.
Guests
Bob Martin, hosted by Paul Schneidmiller; Rich Eagen, hosted by Ed George; Brent Leonard, hosted by Bill Eyestone; Greg Forge, hosted by Rick Doyle (in absentia); and Barbara Lloyd, hosted by Teri Barker
Announcements
The Exchange Club is particpating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life walk again this year. Veda Logan has agreed to be the chair/team captain for this even. If anyone would like to make donations and/or be a part of the relay team, please contact Veda at logave@wwc.edu or 527-2364 (work) or 525-0803 (home) or 386-8754 (cell). The walk is being held June 22 and 23, and walkers need to be on the track at all hours! Please consider donating your time to this worthwhile event.
Preliminary thanks to all who came out and supported a cold but successful Rodeo last weekend. Your efforts were appreciated. A more detailed report and thanks will be coming in a few weeks from the Rodeo Committee.
Sharon Conley of Baker Boyer Bank was welcomed back as a returning member. Glad to have you back, Sharon!
