Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children training

Not all children grow up in protected and safe homes. Child abuse is an epidemic in our country, and not all children even get to grow up. Scars often remain when abuse ends. Be A Voice 4 Kids and the Polk County Child Fatality Prevention and Protection Team have joined forces to bring awareness and resources to our community in an effort to prevent child abuse and neglect.

“Every child deserves to have a happy and safe childhood,” says Mary Edwards, founder of Be A Voice 4 Kids. “We want to train adults to know how to detect the signs of child sexual abuse and get some help for families.”

Darkness 2 Light/Stewards of Children trainings prepare adults to learn the facts, minimize opportunity, talk about it, recognize the signs and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Approximately 100 people already have become Stewards of Children in our Polk County area but many more are needed.

During April 2016, which is Child Abuse Awareness Month, opportunities are available for interested adults to become a Steward of Children. Firefighters and churches have opened their hearts to providing a place for the trainings to occur, Edwards said. Attendance at any single training will certify an individual as a Steward of Children.

Two private donors offered funding so that the training during April can be reduced per person. To register, contact Edwards by phone, 828-817-4267, or email, at beavoice4kids@yahoo.com. Registration also will be available by contacting her at the Child Abuse Awareness Walk on April 1, from 11 to 1 p.m. at the Stearns Park in Columbus.

More information at www.d2l.org and at www.beavoice4kids.vpweb.com.

Submitted by Mary Edwards

SportsPlus

Community

Polk County Planning Board approves minor subdivisions, mobile home park

Campobello

Spartanburg District One presented four-phase proposal plan 

Community

RRHS hosts Healthy Heart Screening event in honor of Heart Health Awareness Month

Campobello

Denim & Diamond Scholarship Pageant takes place at Landrum High School

Community

“History of the Saluda Grade” to be presented at Landrum Library

Columbus

Thermal Belt Outreach highlights programs, updates to food pantry

Arts

February concert at FENCE to feature Myron Hyman

Community

Donor helps Polk Middle add second scoreboard to gym

Community

Multi-vehicle accident shuts down I-26 Wednesday morning

Community

Debris removal, repairs continue in Polk County four months after Helene

News

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Polk tops East Rutherford, secures outright league title

Community

Champions for Wildlife share lessons on black bears with local students

Community

Local student places fifth at Tractor Driving State Finals

Community

Friends of Agriculture breakfast set for February 19

News

Ring season returns as Polk celebrates second state volleyball title

Community

Sunny View man hospitalized after pit bull attack

Arts

PCEC students take part in Public Art and Design Challenge

Columbus

Foothills Humane Society to host “Mystery Mutt Match”

News

Championship moment: Polk ends title drought in romp past Chase

Campobello

Deadly accident on Highway 9 under investigation

Community

Guiding Reins, Brights Creek to host event for first responders

News

Polk delivers Senior Night victory, topping Chase

Community

Bowl For Kids’ Sake returns on March 8

Community

Red wolf pelt helps kids learn