FNC Feature: JLC's First Grant to FNC

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CINCINNATI’S FIRST GRANT TO FAMILY NURTURING CENTER LED TO A BOARD MEMBER VOICING HIS ABUSE AS A CHILD

BY LEE ROSE, FAMILY NURTURING CENTER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

While most Junior League of Cincinnati members grew familiar with Family Nurturing Center through its partnership during the past 3 years, it’s impact on the nonprofit began nearly 40 years ago

The Junior League of Cincinnati made one of the first grants to Family Nurturing Center to purchase puppets for its Kids on the Block program in 1986 Today, the free program gives Pre-K through fifth grade students and their teachers the tools they need to recognize and report child abuse and bullying.

“The puppets are more relatable to children and can tackle topics that are often difficult for children and adults alike to discuss,” said Jane Herms, President/CEO of Family Nurturing Center “The puppets are the same size as many grade-school children and talk at a child’s level, making them more relatable than adults. When the puppets share how their mommy or daddy hurt them, it frequently leads to children disclosing abuse that happened to them ”

At 8 years old, Curtis Clemons attended a Kids on the Block program at his elementary school It empowered him to tell his mother that a babysitter was abusing him Curtis’s courage led to other neighborhood children confiding in trusted adults that the babysitter had abused them as well.

Now a successful real estate agent, Curtis said he spent years trying to find the nonprofit that brought the puppets to his school and, ultimately, changed his life He learned about Family Nurturing Center through a friend Today, Curtis serves on the agency’s board and shares his story to raise awareness and help others.

“The cycle of abuse is something that can be stopped,” Curtis said “My abuse happened 25 years ago yet it’s a true testament to the work of the Family Nurturing Center that programs like Kids on the Block are still here today It’s vital we empower our children to recognize abuse and know what to do if it happens to them.”

Family Nurturing Center envisions a world of safe children, thriving families and nurturing communities Its board of directors and staff want all children to receive the same insights Curtis did as a child. The nonprofit recently added a second outreach program for kids For children in grades 6-8 Family Nurturing Center offers its free Teen Safety Matters It educates and empowers students with information and strategies to prevent, recognize and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of abuse, relationship abuse, digital dangers, exploitation and human trafficking.

JUNIOR LEAGUE’S LEGACY

Four decades after its first grant to Family Nurturing Center, JLC members continue to bolster the agency’s ability to educate, counsel and empower more than 12,000 individuals that it serves annually.

Most recently, Junior League contracted with an artist through ArtsWave to design a mural at the agency’s Cincinnati office The artist created the mural with a paint by-number system, enabling JLC members to paint the final artwork It will be a four-panel piece that features butterflies The completed piece will welcome children in foster care when they arrive for Parenting Time Visitation More than 300 families participate in foster care visits weekly.

The leadership team at Family Nurturing Center is incredibly grateful for all of JLC’s volunteer hours and grants as well as the connections that members have bridged for Family Nurturing Center The League elevated the nonprofits’ presence in the community and brought new energy and ideation.

“Junior League of Cincinnati’s relationships, resources and funding will leave a legacy far beyond our 3-year partnership,” Herms said. “Your leadership has made a lasting impact on our mission to end the cycle of child abuse by promoting individual well being and healthy relationships Thank you for your partnership as well as all of the friendships that blossomed through your active involvement in our agency.”

To bring the free Kids on the Block or Teen Safety Matters program to a school please contact Andy at Andy.Bernert@familynurture.org or (859) 525-3200.