From: Barbara Hugghins [bh@jacksonvillemethodist.org]

Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 1:29 AM

To: 'Susan Boone'; 'Sandy Hilliard'; ntprestonp@aol.com

Subject: Region 04 reports for TC meeting

REGION 04 BOARD ACTIVITIES

                        Fans, in the shape of a stop sign, saying “Stop Child Abuse” were distributed around the region.  Also yard Signs and Tee Shirts on the same theme will be used during April, Prevention of Child Abuse month.

                        Our next meeting will be June 18^th in Longview , hosted by Gregg and Bowie Counties. It will be the Awards and election luncheon.

                        Our President Sandy Hilliard has visited all but 3 counties in Region 04 and has distributed yard signs and fans to all 23 counties in time for their April activities.

COUNTY BOARD ACTIVITIES

CHEROKEE COUNTY:  A photo op and proclamation ceremony

with the County Judge Chris Davis appeared in the local newspaper to publicize Child Abuse Awareness, as well as several informative articles.  There is an appreciation banquet is planned for April 26^th where volunteers, foster parents, CPS workers, and community officials will be recognized.

BOWIE COUNTY:  The board had a fundraiser at Chicken Express, a “Go Blue Day” at Cold Stone Creamery with CASA, a CAP Ball tournament, Blue Sunday/National Day of Prayer for victims of child abuse.  The Rainbow Room was one of three finalist with the Junior League of Texarkana for a signature grant which might be worth $30,000 if approved.

CASS COUNTY:  They had a live Radio Auction on April 9^th as their annual fundraiser event.  Also, they had a balloon release on April 1^st at the Courthouse in Linden.

HOPKINS COUNTY:  They reminded their community that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month with cutouts of kids and blue ribbons on the Courthouse square.

More than 400 reports alleging child abuse and neglect were made in the county in 2009.

LAMAR COUNTY:  Lamar County Child Welfare Board was a sponsor of the “Candle Lighting Ceremony” for victims of crime on April 8^th.

PANOLA COUNTY:  Candlelight Service to be held April 26 at Central Baptist Church in Carthage, in honor of abused and neglected children.  An Emancipation Shower was half for one of their seniors on March 20^th in Tyler at On The Border Restaurant.  Sally Dawson, newest Board Member, hand-stitched monograms on towels, sheets, and a backpack.  Celebrated Go Blue Day, posted signs around town, passed out blue ribbons. Chamber of Commerce put up “Prevent Child Abuse” and 1-800

Number on the Marquee.  Sally Dawson monogrammed the names of each of our children in foster care in Panola County on towels, a special tote bag  for them for this month.  The Board got a spot on the local radio station called “Panola Pride” and spoke to the radio and local tv audience about April PCA and educating the community on the ;need to report child abuse and some of the things that our board is doing as a CPS board.

RUSK COUNTY:  Had a very busy April delivering calendars, ribbons and flyers to the schools and 1300 teachers.  We provided blue ribbons for local 4H members who tied bows on historic lamp posts in downtown Henderson.  Hosted an appreciation luncheon for CPS workers, law enforcement, judges, attorneys, foster parents and agencies which serve the children of our county.  Over 50 attended the event.  We had a proclamation event which recognized the joint efforts of the Child Welfare Board, Children’s Advocacy Center and Community Partners at the luncheon..  We are also sponsoring “Blue Sunday” with CAC.  Our president made a presentation concerning Child Welfare Board at Kiwanis Club on “Go Blue Day’.  We tried to inform our community in as many ways as we could and believe we are successful in spreading our message.

            VAN ZANDT COUNTY:  CWB purchased CA Awareness Tee shirts for all CPS caseworkers.  Ordered 40  yard signs and 9 bolts of blue ribbon from Community Partners for April activities.  CWB rented electric sign in Wills Point to advertise April events.  Ordered “Success for Teens” book for caseworkers.  In March, paid FBI to finger print check for grandparents to adopt grandchildren, Drivers Ed for one student, laptop for one Senior, spoke to Historical Club which donated $500..  In April put up yard signs all over county, put blue ribbons/bows on trees around court house.  Put articles in local papers about Go Blue Day, Candle light vigil and Go Blue Sunday letters sent to all churches in VZ County.