Presbyterian Women’s Fall Gathering and Thank Offering featured a delicious Octoberfest meal with authentic German dishes and desserts! Clara Gilbert Circle prepared the meal and decorated for the occasion. The Apple Strudel, Black Forest cake and German Chocolate cake “were to die for.”
Vice Moderator Anne Bromby introduced our speaker, Stephanie Davage, Development Director of SAFEchild Advocacy Center in Raleigh. Stephanie authored SAFEchild's Thank Offering grant proposal, titled SAFEchild: Technology at SAFEchild Advocacy Center.
“Every child has the right to mature in an environment free from abuse and neglect.”
With this statement, the Junior League of Raleigh established SAFEchild in 1992 with a bold mission to eliminate child abuse in Wake County.
SAFEchild (Stop Abuse for Every Child) Advocacy Center in Wake County is the leading voice for child abuse prevention through evaluation, intervention and treatment in Wake County, North Carolina. Director Davage described their goals:
Prevent child abuse from ever occurring.
Empower parents and caregivers to move toward healthy family relationships by breaking negative parenting patterns.
Provide specialized intervention and treatment that promotes recovery, healing and promising outcomes for children, families and the community.
Educate and raise awareness about the issue of child abuse in Wake County.
The organization accomplishes it goals through seven SAFEchild Parenting Programs and Support Groups including: Circle of Security Parenting, Funny Tummy Feelings, Growing Resilience Movement, Moms Supporting Moms, Move, SAFEchild Advocacy Center. She stressed that they are “Helping new parents – hand in hand.” The organization advocates for children and parents who must navigate the judicial system. SAFEchild also partners with numerous community organizations and agencies.” Their curriculum is certified and their staff is diverse.
How can we help? Support through financial donations. The organization’s $3 million budget is dependent on donations, government grants and grants like the PW Thank Offering Grant, corporate partners and a Gala. With this support, SAFEchild touches the lives of over 16,000 children and families each year. We can volunteer and donate Wish List items.
The program concluded with a moving Thank Offering Dedication Service. Susan Randolph, Kitty Kessler and Terry Apter provided an overview of the Thank Offering and described the other seven grants. In total, Churchwide PW awarded $270,160 to grant recipients.
Rane Winslow offered the Call to Worship. Kate Stryker read 2 Corinthians 9:11-12, grounding us in scripture. Carol House offered a meditation “WHAT WE REALLY NEED IN THIS LIFE IS MORE CONNECTION WITH OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS AND GENEROSITY IS AN ESSENTIAL STEP.” Becky Blazier offered our Dedication Prayer. Accompanied by Mary Ann Blum, the group sang a favorite hymn, God Be the Love to Search and Keep Me, which was also sung at the 2024 Churchwide Gathering. Moderator Barbara Kirby closed the Gathering with our Benediction: “Holy and Gracious God, loving in all your ways, teach us to be more like you in all we say and do. Friends, go forth this day overflowing with many thanksgivings to God.”
Thank you to all who have contributed or plan to contribute to the 2024 Presbyterian Women Thank Offering.
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