“The idea is to better prepare adults to recognize the risks of sexual abuse, to recognize the signs and symptoms of children who might be being sexually abused and to recognize the characteristics of abusers so we can better protect children,” she said.
Just for Kids executive director Celi Van Dyke said the organization has joined with Darkness to 
Light to “bring protection” to the area through an adult training program called Stewards of Children. The curriculum for the 21⁄2-hour training includes video, workbooks and group discussion and also integrates segments during which adult survivors discuss their experiences of abuse and healing.
Bailey and Van Dyke say the training is available for anyone interested and is specifically geared for anyone who has regular contact with children, including parents, schools, child care centers and little leagues.
To date, more than 500 adults have received training, including the staffs at Mabscott Elementary School, Fayette County 4-H and Fayette County Head Start.
Tuesday, Just for Kids partnered with First Century Bank on Harper Road to conduct its first community awareness meeting for members of Generation Beckley. The one-hour meetings, Bailey said, include information on the social, emotional and economic impact of child sexual abuse.
“It’s a great program,” said First Century’s Carl Bowman, one of the organizers of Generation Beckley. “We were very happy to get involved.”
Bailey says the informational meetings are available to any interested groups and it is the hope of Just for Kids officials that those who attend will “feel compelled to become more involved.”
Debbie Tate, West Virginia University Extension agent for 4-H development, said more than 90 percent of the staff and volunteers at the Fayette County 4-H took advantage of the training.
“The training was a great way to show individuals, camp counselors, adults and mentors responsible ways to identify and react to abuse,” she said.
“It is our responsibility as a community to keep all children safe.”
For more information on the initiative or to schedule a meeting, contact Bailey at 304-255-4834.
Bailey – love what you are doing. you are a shining example to individuals and communities every where to make the protection of children a priority and grain by grain, effort by effort – it all comes together to create a safe community for our children! we thank you!
– Anne Lee