Happy Spring from River Bridge Regional Center!
My name is Lindsay Gould, and I am the new President of the Board of Directors. I am honored to serve in this role. I have been part of River Bridge Regional Center’ s Board of Directors since September 2016. River Bridge is an imperative part of our community and we are incredibly lucky to have a child advocacy center right here in Garfield county (serving all of the 9th judicial district and Eagle Cty). River Bridge provides hope and healing to our communities’ children who have been the victim/s of child abuse and/or child sexual abuse.
Some sobering statistics: 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18 years old. On average, more than 5 children die every day as a result of child abuse or neglect. These figures are unacceptable to me. My journey with River Bridge began when I reached out to volunteer with the organization. I was moved to do this after I had my first child, a son, and I could not imagine anyone hurting a child. I was motivated to do and learn more and I became and continue to be committed to River Bridge and their mission to provide collaborative services to child abuse victims, their families, and the community in a supportive environment through a child-centered approach.
With Child Abuse Prevention month around the corner in April, I want to remind our community of the service River Bridge provides and how important it is to let our citizens know that we all play a role in preventing child abuse. River Bridge offers community education and training for parents, teachers, as well as law enforcement.
When we know more, we are empowered to do more. With child abuse prevention and treatment we must become the advocates for children and help lift their voices. Our fundraiser being held in the month of April is called aptly, “Find Your Voice!” I urge you to take part in this fundraiser, it is an entertaining and easy way to give back to our community and support victims of child abuse. Also, this month, look for our blue pinwheels, our national symbol of child abuse prevention. The pinwheels represent what childhood should and can be, nurturing and whimsical with a bright future where children grow and succeed.
The effects of the pandemic have had grim effects on children, we are seeing an increase in frequency and severity of child abuse. We anticipate numbers of victims to increase as our country begins to open up, and children are back in schools and daycares and being seen by those who can report abuse again. It is imperative that we remain vigilant in our fight against child abuse. Please join the team and myself at River Bridge in the month of April to promote awareness and help us prevent and promote healing.
Kindly,
Lindsay