Since its inception in March 2007, the Children's Services program at the Lakes Crisis & Resource Center in Detroit Lakes has served 800 youth in the lakes area.
Some of the services provided by this program include one-on-one advocacy and support groups for at-risk children; and educational presentations on bullying, personal safety, domestic violence education, healthy relationships and similar topics.
"We're currently offering over 20 support groups for at-risk children in Becker County schools," said Jan Logan, executive director of LCRC.
This Wednesday, Nov. 10, the LCRC will be hosting its fifth annual Children's Breakfast, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Speak Easy in Detroit Lakes.
The purpose of the breakfast, Logan said, is to highlight and focus on the needs of children who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused, as well as those children who have witnessed violence in their homes.
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Keynote speakers for the Wednesday breakfast will include Donna Richgels, supervisor of Family and Children's Services for the Becker County Human Services Department.
Logan said there would also be a personal testimonial from an area student who has been a participant in an LCRC youth support group.
"The LCRC Children's Breakfast gives us the opportunity to support an agency that supports our area children," said Lisa Weber, director of the Detroit Lakes Area Learning Center, in a testimonial letter.
"Lakes Crisis & Resource Center is a valuable resource for our community," she continued. "I have been serving children and their families in Detroit Lakes since 1993 ... There is not a service LCRC provides that I have not utilized.
"The prevention education and support groups provide a safe place for young people to explore personal challenges and issues," said Weber. "Presentations on topics of abuse, healthy relationships, date rape, power and control cycle, etc., give teens the tools they need to make positive decisions and/or recognize negative situations.
"Victim advocacy and support provides a level of empathy and support that is irreplaceable. It is needed to help stop the violence, ensure safety, and allow healing to begin," Weber concluded.
Tickets are $40 per person.
"There are also sponsorship opportunities available," said LCRC's Ann Marie Lacher. Various participation levels are offered, from $150 on up, she added.
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"All proceeds will contribute to our ongoing children's advocacy services," said Logan. "We receive no state or federal funding for the children's programs we are offering -- it's all funded through community donations."
For more information, call 218-847-8572.
