The Carl Perkins Child Abuse Center was one of four organizations to receive a proclamation when the Jackson City Council held its April meeting at City Hall, Tuesday.

County director Sherry Cole called child abuse the worst, best-kept secret.

“It’s kept in the dark,” Cole said, “Our goal is to bring it to the light.

“Another myth is, it’s strangers that does this to kids, but 90 percent of the time, it’s not strangers … it’s somebody that child knows – maybe even loves and trusts.

“So, does that make it harder for kids to tell? Absolutely, it’s so very confusing.”

Cole said there is hope, because child abuse is preventable.

“Our theme for 2019, is from Mary Poppins – ‘Anything is possible,’ to prevent child abuse,” Cole said, “So, we work daily to help children find the light. There is so much darkness in child sex abuse, especially – and we help them heal.

“Through our parenting programs, we help bring families together because that’s really the best way we can help children is to help their family.

“Through our Relative Caregiver Program we support those families who have taken in children, and maybe don’t have enough resources to meet the needs – and that’s where the community helps us tremendously.”

Jerry Gist also recognized Equal Pay Day – Stacy Miller; WRAP Sexual Assault – Ladies of WRAP and National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week – LaNonda Jernigan.

The City Council also recognized the Jackson Arts Council – Melinda Hearn and Monte Jones, and the Lane College women’s basketball team – tournament champions of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

New business included the contract for construction of the Jackson Animal Care Center at a cost of $1,322,362.

(PHOTO: Sherry Cole at the Jackson City Council meeting, Tuesday)
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