“It’s a tough topic, and the numbers are sobering. Last year in Michigan, more than 30,000 children were abused and neglected. Nationally, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by the time they reach the age of 18. Safe Harbor is a children’s advocacy center for victims of child abuse and neglect that works to stop the cycle.

One of the largest fundraising events for Safe Harbor is its annual Life Line event. This year, three-time U.S. Swim Team Olympic Medalist, Margaret Hoelzer, spoke on her personal story of hope and healing.

If you suspect or need to report child abuse or neglect, please contact the Centralized Intake Line of Michigan, anytime day or night at (855) 444-3911. You can also visit the Department of Human Services for more information.”

http://woodtv.com/2015/04/22/working-to-stop-child-abuse/

“Soothing, kid-friendly murals cover the walls in the interview room, and lively pictures of smiling children decorate the waiting area of the recently opened Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center in Hastings.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Barry County Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor-Pratt Thursday as people crowded into the facility for the open house. “I’m really excited that it came together as quickly as it did. It was a whole team effort, from child protective services to police to community mental health and everyone involved. It’s just going to be such a great tool to help kids in Barry County.”

Safe Harbor, a nonprofit organization, is a place where children can feel more comfortable and at ease when sharing their accounts of abusive situations…”

Read more here.

Plainwell and Allegan High school swim teams helped raise funds for Safe Harbor.