Prevent Child Abuse Rowan (PCAR) held a Virtual Brunch to thank the many community partners who coordinate their efforts with PCAR’s to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in our county.

PCAR/Terrie Hess House could not be successful without the combined efforts of the agencies and the public who conduct their daily business while keeping PCAR’s mission in mind. Local law enforcement officers, social services personnel, district attorney’s office, schools, and a multitude of individuals serve as invaluable eyes, ears, and advocates for our children’s safety. Each year, though, certain people and organizations are recognized for their exemplary and outstanding support over the past year.

The Dr. Kathleen Russo Friend of the Child Award was given to County Commissioner Judy Klusman for securing funding for both the Triple P — Positive Parenting Program and the Community Resilience Model. These county-wide programs support ground-level change, helping individuals and families build skills to better handle life’s challenges. This, in turn, helps make our county’s children safer.

The Community Organization Award recognized Second Presbyterian Church for opening its Fellowship Hall and office space at no cost to PCAR for the lengthy duration of its expansion construction project. As if that were not enough, the church renovated the hall’s appearance and functionality to serve the displaced parenting programs better. The church shares this year’s award with College Barbecue for the untold ways in which they are continually counted on to support PCAR’s operations and mission.

Each year, there are individuals without whose assistance PCAR would be lost. The Volunteer of the Year Award was also shared this year, between the men of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church and Jack Bellivue. The men of Mt. Tabor donated countless hours putting furniture together for PCAR. Bellivue was recognized for helping PCAR in a variety of ways over the last 12 years — most recently, for his creative vision for PCAR’s Empire Hotel window display, complete with a video for a hash tag challenge.

Finally, the President’s Award is not conferred every year, but it was issued this year to Ariella Sanchez for the innumerable ways in which she has supported PCAR. These included providing Spanish translation services, procuring and delivering various supplies at a moment’s notice, and being present with an “Anything I can do to help” attitude whenever PCAR seemed to be one person short.

PCAR sincerely appreciates the outstanding support of the recipients of this year’s recognition awards. Combined with the ongoing support of individuals and community partners, we are making a positive difference in the lives of children and families in Rowan County.