BOS declares April, Child Abuse Prevention Month

This Monday at the Warren County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board and the Exchange Club of Vicksburg joined to declare April, Prevention of Child Abuse Month in Warren County.

The Board welcomed Executive Director Avis Phillips and praised her and the Exchange Club’s efforts in combating child abuse over the years.

“Your staff is very committed,” expressed Board President Kelle Barfield, “They work very hard, for which we appreciate.”

“I have a great staff,” Phillips agreed.

When asked how the work was going, Phillips responded, “Unfortunately busy,” indicating the high level of abuse cases the exchange club faces daily. “It’s one of those things you wish you weren’t busy at, but we are. As soon as we close cases we get new ones, although, it seems to be doing a little better,” added Phillips, expressing hope in a downward trend.

When asked what activities, the Club has planned for the month, Phillips explained, “We’re putting out jars at the different places you can put money in, and we’re putting a banner in front of where the chamber of commerce used to be (Youth Development Center) to let people know that it’s Child Abuse Prevention Month.”

The official proclamation read:

“Whereas the Exchange Club of Vicksburg desires to better serve the community and promote healthy families, and whereas the Exchange Club of Vicksburg celebrates their 39th year of child advocacy in Vicksburg/Warren County, MS, and whereas the vision of the center is one in which each child lives in a home that provides a nurturing environment and an elevated quality of family life in a community committed to promoting healthy families and preventing child abuse… and whereas the BOS is committed to the prevention of Child Abuse and improvement in the quality of life of all children, it has joined with the Exchange Club of Vicksburg Child and Parent Center, in an effort to raise public awareness, encourage early reporting of suspected cases, and promote positive parenting, the BOS does hereby proclaim the month of April as Prevention of Child Abuse Month.” 

The proclamation concluded with a plea, “In our Community we call upon all the citizens of Warren County to join efforts to protect our children and support the Exchange Club of Vicksburg Child and Parent Center.”