YMCA Of The Suncoast Awarded Grant To Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

Press release from YMCA:

Jan. 24, 2023

The YMCA of the Suncoast has received a $130,000 grant from the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County to educate the community on the prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.

With this grant, the YMCA will lead coordinated efforts within Pinellas County to train and educate both youth serving organizational staff and youth in the prevention of childhood sexual abuse.

“We are proud to be recognized by the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County as an organization committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. We look forward to providing resources to the youth facing organizations and children in Pinellas County,” says Beth Gettig, Vice President of Youth Development for the YMCA of the Suncoast.

The Y will partner with Praesidium Inc. to offer the Praesidum GuardianTM program to youth serving organizations in the community. Pursuing Praesidium Guardian Certification™ gives an organization access to best practices, written resources to strengthen prevention efforts, and consultation with experts.

“Praesidium applauds the YMCA of the Suncoast’s commitment to preventing abuse and playing a leadership role within their community in youth protection. The YMCA of the Suncoast is taking the same innovative approach they use within their programs to extend their impact to their broader community. We are proud to partner with such a dedicated and passionate team to help ensure all children are protected from abuse.” States Aaron Lundberg, MSW, President and CEO, Praesidium.

Additionally, trained YMCA staff will work in afterschool programming to implement the Monique Burr Foundation (MBF) After School Safety Matters prevention education program. The curriculum teaches children how to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to the four types of child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect), bullying, cyberbullying, and digital dangers in age-appropriate lessons.

“This grant allows the YMCA of the Suncoast to further advance our strategic initiative of helping to prevent child abuse in the community. We look forward to expanding our efforts to protect area children.” Says G. Scott Goyer, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Suncoast.

Goyer and team are working with YUSA to create a model that will be replicated in YMCAs throughout the country.

This press release was produced by YMCA. The views expressed here are the author's own.