by Nuriyyeh Brett

The Western Slope Center for Children, a child advocacy organization, has been working to teach parents how to talk to their children about sexual abuse.

The center started a program called Stewards of Children, which can help parents learn the signs of sexual abuse, try to prevent it and teach them how to react when sexual abuse happens.

“Stewards of Children is an evidence-informed, proactive approach to child sexual abuse prevention,” Jody Brandon, developmental/outreach coordinator at the center, said. “It is a two-hour training program featuring a combination of survivor stories, expert advice and practical guidance.”

The Center began the program in January 2014 and has been held once a month since its inception.

“We believe that learning the facts about child sexual abuse, talking about it, and getting involved helps prevent it,” Brandon said.

The Stewards of Children training began back in 2013 in Charleston, S.C. The information used in the program is updated on a regular basis to make sure people are getting the most current learning experience.

“As long as child sexual abuse exists in our community, the center will continue to offer prevention and awareness programs,” Brandon said.

As well as running the training, people from the center also go into the Grand Junction community to do free trainings that people can schedule to take at their convenience. The class sizes vary, ranging from two to 40.   

The community has also assisted the program. Establishments like No Coast, a sushi restaurant, host a benefit night where a percentage of the proceeds go towards supporting the center. Other organizations, such as the Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club, helped the center with new items they may need with the latest being a new laptop.

The Western Slope Center for Children is located at 259 Grand Ave., and their phone number is 970-245-3788.