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STEELE TALKIN'

Aiming to prevent child abuse
By
Karen Hale

What does it take to prevent child abuse?

Well, it takes a lot, but first it requires caring adults who are committed to the cause. These people need extensive training in child abuse prevention which means they need a place from which to attain these materials, training and support.   

The National Exchange Club organization made Child Abuse Prevention their national project in 1979 and have worked continuously since then to create programs, education and even physical child abuse prevention centers throughout the country. They definitely provide us training and support to our caring staff who are committed to the cause here at the Exchange Club Center for Family Unity. On a local level, many of the area exchange clubs support us with fundraisers and donations. 

Secondly, these caring adults also need a support system around them to allow them to work with families who may be at risk. That’s where the larger community of non-profit organizations that are focused on other child-related issues as well as domestic abuse comes in. We are so thankful for their support and assistance. 

Finally, it takes the support of our communities to fund operations such as ours. We are so fortunate to be located in Owatonna and to serve not only Steele County but surrounding counties as well. When you contribute to our organization, you’re making a statement that child abuse prevention matters, and it doesn’t go unnoticed by us! 

As you may know, we were recently able to purchase a building that will house our operations going forward. It is a wonderful building located at 1820 Hartle Ave—you may know it as the former Owatonna Montessori. This property allows us to provide services like parent mentoring, group parent support, supervised visitation and many others in a great environment. 

Here is where we need your help. We have kicked off our Capital Campaign (A Home of our Own) and hope that we can count on your donations. A community with a priority on child abuse prevention is a community that cares! 

Learn more about our campaign at https://centerforfamilyunitymn.org/capital-campaign.

We thank you in advance for your ongoing support!

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