Okaloosa County BOCC — February 11, 2013 — 4-18-13 Exchange Club — reading text

PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Child abuse is a serious community problem and finding solutions depends on involvement among people throughout the community, and WHEREAS, Statistics show an escalation of children who are abused and neglected each year; and WHEREAS, The effects of child abuse are felt by the whole community and should be addressed by the entire community; and WHEREAS, Effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community; and WHEREAS, Youth-servicing prevention programs offer positive alternatives for young people and encourage youth to develop strong ties to the community; and WHEREAS, All citizens should become more aware of child abuse and its prevention and should become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing envi- ronment; and WHEREAS, The Emerald Coast Exchange Club, through its support of parent aide pro- grams, parenting classes, educational programs and community service activities, is assisting in making significant progress in stopping this crime against families and children. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Okaloosa County Commissioners does hereby proclaims April 18, 2013 as EXCHANGE CLUB CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION DAY In Okaloosa County, Florida and urges all citizen to use this time to better understand their role in recognizing and responding to child abuse and further congratulates the Emerald Coast Exchange Club for its continued commitment in helping families break free from the cycle of child abuse. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of April, 2013. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ DON R. AMUNDS CHAIRMAN ___________________________ DON W. HOWARD CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT