Brownwood City Mayor Stephen Haynes presented a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month to Jill Evans and Doak Givan of the Family Services Center.

The proclamation states that children are the embodiment of dreams and aspirations for the future and as such, deserve to grow and develop in nurturing environments, free from fear and victimization.

It further states that society has a responsibility to protect children and help them thrive in a safe environment and that every child is entitled to be loved, cared for, feel secure and be free from verbal, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse and neglect.

The City of Brownwood has many dedicated individuals and organizations such as Family Services Center, the ARK, CASA in the Heart of Texas, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Central Texas Opportunities, Brownwood Police Department, Department of Family and Protective Services and the Child Welfare Board who work daily to counter the problem of child maltreatment and to help parents obtain the assistance they need.

The proclamation also explained that effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among families, social service agencies, schools, religious and civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community.

Mayor Haynes encouraged citizens to join in dedicating their energies to cherishing the community’s children and helping them grow and develop free from victimization so they may mature into successful adults.  He stated that their success is our success.

Pictured above is Mayor Haynes reading the proclamation to Givan and Evans of FSC.  Family Services Center provides help to families in 9 area counties.