2nd Annual Step Up for Children Gala

The Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center's

2nd Annual Step Up for Children Gala

From left to right: Wayne Zimmerman (Board President), Melanie Hebert (Board member and Emcee), Terrance Osborne (local artist), Erika Dupépé (Executive Director), Dennis Woltering (Emcee)

The Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center's 2nd Annual Step Up for Children Gala was a huge success!  We had a great turn-out and raised over $40,000 for the JCAC.  The funds raised will support our mission of investigating, treating, and preventing child victimization in Jefferson Parish.  

The activities of the evening were led by our energetic emcees, Melanie Hebert and Dennis Woltering, both news anchors from WWL-TV.  The Yat Pack kept the night rolling with live entertainment featuring covers of Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Billy Joel and much more. 

Local news anchors were asked to decorate step-stools to be sold at our live and silent auctions. The decorated step-stools went hand-in-hand with the Gala's "Step Up for Children" theme.  Many anchors asked local artists to decorate the stools on their behalf.  Simon Hardeveld painted a stool for Susan Roesgen (WGNO) in-line with his signature style, and John Carambat crafted a stool into a steam-punk themed pig on behalf of Angela Hill (WWL).  Chet Pourciau constructed a unique piece on behalf of Shelley Brown decked out with crawfish and corncobs that embodied the Greater New Orleans spirit (WVUE). Terrance Osborne painted a step-stool for Sally-Ann Roberts (WWL) to reflect Sally-Ann's favorite Bible verse, Psalms 1:3:

"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-- whatever they do prospers."

Sally-Ann Roberts with Terrance Osborne. Terrance Osborne painted the stool on behalf of Sally-Ann and it was sold at the 2nd Annual Step Up for Children Gala's live auction for $8,000.

Over 25 items were put to bid at our silent auction, which included signed sports memorabilia from the Saints, Hornets, and LSU Tigers; gift baskets stocked with certificates to local sites and restaurants; as well as beautiful art and jewelry. 

Thanks to everyone who made the 2nd Annual Step Up for Children Gala a success!  We hope you all join us next year!

Protective Factors for Preventing Child Abuse

Protective Factors

Why does child abuse happen? There is not a clear answer, but professionals have agreed that when families have certain characteristics--referred to as protective factors-- child abuse is less likely to occur.

1) Nurturing and Attachment - Parents and children need to form a strong, caring bond to ensure that children achieve positive development.
2) Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development - Parents who understand child development are more likely to provide an environment that is safe and where children can achieve their potential.
3) Parental Resilience - When parents are able to effectively bounce back from occasional crisis and everyday stressors, they will likely refrain from directing stress at their children.
4) Social Connections - Parents can utilize positive relationships with other adults to gain support and learn additional parenting tactics.
5) Concrete Supports for Parents - Basic needs--food, shelter, transportation, healthcare-- must be in place for a parent to support the well-being of their children and themselves.
6) Social and Emotional Competence of Children - When children can effectively communicate their needs, parents are better able to fulfill these needs.

For more in-depth information concerning protective factors, visit Child Information Gateway:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/factors.cfm

Presidential Proclamation on Child Abuse Prevention Month

President Proclaims April 2013 as 

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

"National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to make their struggle our own and reaffirm a simple truth: that no matter the challenges we face, caring for our children must always be our first task." --President Barack Obama

In his weekly address President Barack Obama proclaimed April 2013 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The President acknowledges the importance of Child Abuse Prevention as an initiative needing action by families, communities, states, and the nation. To read his full proclamation, follow the link:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/03/29/presidential-proclamation-national-child-abuse-prevention-month-2013

The Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center is promoting Child Abuse Prevention Month in full-swing this April!