8A COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL APRIL 12, 2017
90 by 30 looks to decrease child abuse
familyreliefnursery.org
dianeh@frncg.org
541.942.4835 (T)
541.942.7359 (F)
541.729.4794 (C)
720 N. 14th St
PO Box 1207
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Strengthening Families & Building Community
Diane Hazen
Executive Director
THINK BEFORE
YOU REACT
April is National Child
Abuse Prevention Month,
a reminder that every
child deserves to feel
safe at home and in his
or her community.
If you feel you are in danger of harming your
child, help is available. We provide
support and counseling. Call us at 541-942-3939
Decorations are popping up all over Cottage Grove to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The goal is to
By Caitlyn May
reduce
child abuse
cmay@cgsentinel.com
by 90 percent by
the year 2030 and
this year, the 90 by 30 group is taking to
the streets of Cottage Grove to help raise
awareness.
Nationally, the month of April is desig-
nated as child abuse awareness month and
is recognized in several different ways but
locally efforts are being made to prevent the
abuse and fund raise for tools that would of-
fer children a better start from birth.
"What we do every year is try to raise
awareness and do the decorating to get
people aware," said Pete Barrell, communi-
ty services director for the city of Cottage
Grove.
Main St. has already been fl ooded with
blue ribbons and pinwheels, as well as fl i-
ers in fl ower planters to help the cause. Blue
pinwheels will continue to pop up at busi-
nesses throughout the month of April.
The group is also currently working on a
fundraising campaign to fund "baby boxes"
for new parents.
"Basically they're bassinets that we’re
giving to every new family in the region
which is about 250 babies a year," Barrell
said.
New parents will receive handmade boo-
ties, a mini quilt and other newborn essen-
tials totaling approximately $400.
"They’re fantastic," Barrell said of the
boxes, "because they’re a safe sleep system
to help avoid SIDS and they've been hugely
successful in Europe."
The baby box program is voluntary but 90
by 30 will be seeking out new parents who
wish to take part in the program. There is no
cost to new families for signing up for the
program and all families in the South Lane
district are qualifi ed.
90 by 30 is currently fundraising to get
the project up and running but is expected
to launch the baby boxes this June.
To donate, residents can visit 90by30.
com or contact Barrell at (541) 767-4147.
South Lane
Mental Health Services, Inc.
1345 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove
541-942-3939 • slmh.org
To report possible child abuse or neglect,
call 800.422.4453 or contact your local child
protective services or law enforcement agency.
Where Child Abuse
Hurts Most
Family Relief Nursery at city council
By Caitlyn May
cmay@cgsentinel.com
Family Relief Nursery Executive Direc-
tor Diane Hazen presented to the Cottage
Grove City Council during the Monday,
April 10 meeting.
The organization, which opened in 1994, has served more than
2,000 families since its inception. With an offi ce now in Drain and
Creswell, Hazen informed the council that the nursery was looking
towards the future but would need help.
"As a result of community support, the state now includes fund-
ing for the nursery in its budget but that only accounts for 40 per-
cent of the relief nursery's budget," she said.
The remainder of the operating costs stem from community in-
Creswell Christian School &
Childcare
501 Holbrook Ln, Creswell
www.creswellchristianschool.com
541-895-4622
Pinocchio’s Pizza
1795 E. Main St, Cottage Grove
541-942-5531
Parent Partnership
1310 S. 8th St., Cottage Grove
www.parentpartnership.org
541-942-2104
volvement and other public fund sources.
Even with limited funding, Hazen said the organization continues
to see results with verifi ed data provided by Portland State Univer-
sity that reiterates the group's impact in a community.
According to Hazen, the nursery can boast statistics that include:
98.6 percent of families in the nursery have no further interaction
with DHS or foster services. Likewise, the organization saves tax-
payer money with a 4:1 return.
"For every tax dollar spent, the state sees $4 saved on law en-
forcement and foster related expenses," she said.
The organization is current lending its efforts to local Child
Abuse Prevention Month activities and services.
Dr. Brent Bitner, DDS
350 E. Washington Ave.
Cottage Grove
www.cgsmiles.com
541-942-7934
Cottage Grove Sentinel
116 N. 6th, PO Box 35
541-942-3325
Sometimes the worst scars of child abuse can’t be seen. Whether physical or
emotional, abuse attacks a child’s self-esteem and emotional development, leaving
long-term emotional trauma and pain. You can help prevent child abuse by being
a nurturing parent or caregiver. By letting children know they are special,
competent and loved, you can help them develop positive self-images and happier
futures. If you feel overwhelmed, angry or frustrated as a parent, help is out
there for you. Look in your area for support groups and services, or talk to a
trusted friend, family member, pastor or doctor about what you can do to protect
and support your child. If we all do our part to prevent child abuse, we’ll get to
the heart of the matter.
This National Child Abuse Prevention Month message is brought to you by:
Cottage Grove Police Department
400 E. Main St.
Non-Emergency: 541-942-9145
April is National Child Abuse Prevention
Month. By knowing
the signs of child abuse, you can
help prevent it. If you suspect a
child is being abused, contact
your local police or child welfare
agency for guidance.
Potential victims of child abuse will often
exhibit the following signs:
• Sudden changes in behavior or
school performance.
• Neglect of physical or medical problems
brought to the parents’ attention.
• Learning problems that are not
attributed to specific physical or
psychological causes.
• Constant watchfulness, as if he or she is
preparing for something bad to happen.
• Lack of adult supervision and
reluctance to return to the home.
South Lane County Fire e & Re
Rescue
esc
scue
233 Harrison Ave., C.G. • 541-942-4493