Nancy J. Cotterman Center involved with‘Broward AWARE! Protecting OUR Children’ Campaign
Submitted by Miriam Firpo-Jimenez
Broward County’s Nancy J. Cotterman Center is particiating with a number of service agencies from throughout the County in support of the “Broward AWARE! Protecting OUR Children” campaign, which is aimed at ensuring that the community understands that preventing child abuse and neglect is everyone’s responsibility. This campaign, now in its third year, will culminate with a family fun and resource fair on Saturday, April 13, at Rev. Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“April is the nationally designated month for Sexual Assault and Child Abuse prevention and we are proud to be a part of this campaign to help raise awareness and do all we can do to help protect our children from neglect and abuse,” said Miriam Firpo-Jimenez, director of the Nancy J. Cotterman Center.
The event seeks to engage families, educators, media, government, law enforcement, child service providers and other stakeholders to share resources that help prevent child abuse and neglect and to heal those who have been victimized by it.
Throughout the event, fun and educational activities will be presented with dozens of re-source tables, a series of mini-workshops on children’s safety issues, such as Internet safety, drowning prevention, choosing safe child care providers and more. Entertainment includes music by Radio Disney, an appearance by Scooby Doo and activities geared for the younger crowd, including face painting and bounce houses.
The Nancy J. Cotterman Center, formerly Broward County’s Sexual Assault Treatment Center, provides a safe, non-threatening environment for victims and supportive family members. Services are intended to assist in matters of public safety, to help families understand what has happened and to aid in their recovery. The Center was renamed in 2012 to honor Cotterman who advocated tirelessly for adult and child victims of sexual and physical abuse through her work at the Broward County Sexual Assault Treatment Center.
