The YMCA of Centre County has achieved “Partner in Prevention” status for the seventh year in a row. The nonprofit Darkness to Light gives the award to organizations that take extra steps to protect the children they serve by training staff and volunteers in Stewards of Children, a child sexual abuse prevention training program.
“Partner in Prevention” was created as a national standard to help parents and caregivers recognize organizations that take child protection seriously by implementing policies and training staff to prevent child sexual abuse.
YMCA of Centre County says more than 7,300 adults in Centre County have been trained in Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children. The YMCA of Centre County has trained 95% of its staff and volunteers and is committed to keeping Stewards of Children free and accessible for the community. Every organization, business, parent, and concerned adult is encouraged to participate in the program.
“It is important to us that all of our staff and volunteers understand the issue of child sexual abuse, can identify unsafe situations, and can react responsibly to child sexual abuse if it occurs. Preventing child abuse is our number one priority and we are committed to keeping families happy, healthy, and whole, ” says Jamie SanFilippo, Director of Community Outreach for YMCA of Centre County.
To learn more about child sexual abuse prevention training or to enroll your organization in Darkness to Light’s “Partner in Prevention” program, visit www.D2L.org/Partner. To schedule a free Stewards of Children training for your organization, please contact Jamie, JSanFilippo@ymcaocc.org.