September Noteworthy Events and Experiences
It's Be Back to School Bold Time
Well friends, it’s that time of year again! Back to School in full swing and we want to do our part to keep your kids as informed and safe as they can be. According to The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) which provides thorough reports each year on the prevalence of child abuse and neglect, becoming aware and informed on child abuse statistics is the first step towards successfully promoting child safety and offering community-based services to the most vulnerable populations.
In Utah, there were 9,695 children confirmed as victims of abuse and neglect in 2022. Abuse occurs across all age groups, with the majority of confirmed child victims being 12 to 17 years of age (36.1%), closely followed by 6-11 year olds (29.8%) and 1-5 year olds (25.7%).
Child abuse is not a topic that is easy to discuss, but it is vital to empowering our kids with ownership of their bodies and boundaries for others. We are your awareness partner. We have created a downloadable PDF for you to use as a guide in your conversation with your kids or students this fall. Our card includes safety tips for children to be aware of and recovery tips for teens who may need some help in managing abuse that has already happened. Please download it and be Back to School Bold as you help your child to be a safe superhero.
September has already been a busy month. Our mission is to positively move child victims of crime in Salt Lake County toward resilience after the trauma of child abuse. As we prepare to add new programs to our services, we hope you will donate, follow us on social media for the latest updates, helpful videos and important tips for health and wellness in both awareness and recovery from child abuse.
Here are a few noteworthy events and experiences we have had over the past month:
Introducing The Friends New Executive Director, Angela Martindale
Angela Martindale, officially became the new Executive Director of the Friends non-profit supporting the Salt Lake County Children’s Justice Center in April of 2023. She hit the ground running with innovative ideas and contagious energy that has engaged our sponsors, partners, board members and Salt Lake County Community members in a positive and impactful manner.
Angela comes to the Friends with both business and personal achievements that have made her a sought after executive for many local, national and global companies. Her work as a celebrity nutritionist and fitness coach, a spokesperson for domestic violence awareness, a wellness expert for local FOX13, KSL, ABC4 and CBS affiliates, owner of 12 unique businesses, a contributing author, speaker and podcast guest, and a high performing business strategy coach, elevates her ability to broaden the scope of programming and relationship building on behalf of the Friends. Angela is passionate about thriving after trauma and brings that passion to every project she is involved with.
She is a Utah native, married to the love of her life, enjoys hiking and new experiences, and is proud to represent and expand the Friends legacy mission of transforming trauma into resilience for child victims of abuse in Salt Lake County.
Learn more about Angela on LinkedIn.
Dutch Bros Coffee Gets Involved with Buck for Kids in Salt Lake County
Ready, set, go, the countdown is here! Friday, Sep. 15 is #BuckForKids. Stop by your local @dutchbroscoffee shop (listed below) to help the Friends non-profit support the mission of the Children’s Justice Center of Salt Lake County, as $1 from every drink sold will go towards supporting our mission!
Let’s see how much we can raise to help kids who have experienced abuse turn trauma into resilience. See you there!
#dutchbros #donations #childabuseawareness #wecareaboutyou #youmattertous
Locations
3843 W 7800 S, West Jordan, UT 84088
3883 W 5400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84129
1517 W 5400 S, Taylorsville, UT 84123
3279 W 3500 S, West Valley City, UT 84119
7856 S 700 E, Sandy, UT 84070
5546 S 900 E, Murray, UT 84117
9401 S 700 E, Sandy, UT 84070
123 W 7200 S, Midvale, UT 84047
Northern Utah Mustang Owner's Association Honors the Friends as their Preferred Charity in Utah
The Northern Mustang Owner’s Association is actively engaged in helping the Friends non-profit support the Children’s Justice Center of Salt Lake County. Their team has been fantastic partners to our organization and we are so grateful for their passion, dedication and loyalty to helping child victims of crime in our county receive the help they need to turn trauma into resilience. The organization held their annual car show in Heber in August where New Executive Director, Angela Martindale met with spectators and fine car lovers as they enjoyed the incredible vehicles on display and answered questions about the Friends.
Later that evening the organization held an auction and an award ceremony where the Friends were awarded for our work in the community. We are so grateful for the support of our community partners and delighted to put the funds raised toward the needs of the CJC and to expand our resilience based programs for kids and caregivers who need them.
Walker Edison Furniture Co. Hosts Another Impactful Event for the Friends
The Walker Edison Furniture Co. of SLC has been a partner with the Friends non-profit for years and we are not only grateful, but impressed with their passion and dedication to raising awareness for child abuse in our county. In addition to their donation of 150 fuzzy blankets and furniture for the patio of the West Jordan CJC location so kids and caregivers could be more comfortable during their time at the Center, they also hosted an incredible corporate event where their team put together 120 hygiene kits, 100 medical comfort activity kits, 90 Calm & Care Kits, and wrote 100 appreciation notes to the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT).
Just like they make us feel important and valued, Walker Edison Furniture Co. makes their customers feel the same way. If you are looking for beautiful furniture make sure you check Walker Edison out first. (Walkeredison.com) To become a sponsor of one of our programs or a partner with us in any way, visit cjcslc.org.
Donations Are Always Welcome and Encouraged
The Friends welcomes new partnerships and sponsors as we expand our reach to sustainably impact the resilience of child victims of crime and their caregivers. We have been happy to support the immediate crisis care needs of the CJCSLC, but we know that the road to resilience requires a sustainable effort, which is why we are working hard to build new pathways of recovery within our community. But, we can’t do it without your help!
As you consider your options for charities to donate to for the upcoming holidays, we invite you to please consider donating to the Friends to help us, help kids and their caregivers receive the support they need. No one should suffer from abuse. Every kid deserves a friend.
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