Local advocates join sexual abuse survivor’s 1,500-mile Walk in My Shoes across Florida
Sen. Lauren Book, who overcame years of physical and sexual abuse to become an internationally recognized child advocate, will walk through Escambia County at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 25 starting at the Gulf Coast Kid’s House as part of her 1,500-mile journey across the state.
Walkers will travel 3.1 miles to the Head Start Community Action Program and real adventurers can continue for the full eight mile walk.
Armed with the knowledge that one-in-three girls and one-in-five boys are sexually abused before age 18, and 95 percent of that abuse is preventable with awareness and education, Book’s Walk in My Shoes raises awareness about child sexual abuse and empowers survivors.
Book, former classroom teacher and founder of Lauren’s Kids, endured sexual abuse for six years of her childhood at the hands of her nanny. She launched the Walk in My Shoes campaign in 2010 to raise awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse and encourage survivors to speak out about their experiences.
The senator and Lauren’s Kids have had immeasurable impact through providing child abuse prevention education and awareness efforts, as well as changing legislation to empower victims of child abuse and improve the intervention system.
Visit laurenskidswalk.org for details.
Find ways to help: UWF’s sixth annual Day of Giving returns with a 24-hour fundraising goal of $175,000
American Red Cross to host evacuation shelter fundamentals and simulation
The American Red Cross of North Florida is hosting a Shelter Fundamentals and Simulation event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 27 at the Clyde L. Gracey Community Center, 5629 Byrom St., in Milton. Potential evacuation shelter volunteers, observers, and partners are welcome to attend by registering online.
The first hour of the event will be the shelter fundamentals portion for partners and community members to:
Understand the Red Cross philosophy and principles of sheltering
Identify client needs
Describe different types of shelters
Identify how an evacuation shelter is structured and operates
Understand the activities and tasks that take place in shelters
Understand the types of work shelter workers will perform and how to do it
The shelter simulation portion will provide practical experience on how to conduct various tasks required to maintain a functioning shelter. It will also expose participants to the types of situations they may encounter. The simulation is a good opportunity for participants to practice skills, discuss ways to handle situations that may arise, promote teamwork and reinforce understanding of shelter needs while in operation.
Register early to secure a spot, space is limited to 200 participants.
Call 850-602-9339 for details.
Escambia County seeks volunteer for Housing Finance Authority
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority. Appointees serve without compensation. The term will begin Aug. 1.
Escambia residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m. Friday, April 26. Letters and resumes should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to: Jose Gochez, Program Manager, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502.
The Escambia County Housing Finance Authority was established in accordance with Florida law. The authority’s duties are to assist in eliminating shortages of adequate housing, stop reoccurrence of slum conditions and stimulate employment and commerce. Knowledge in the area of labor, finance or commerce required. Authority members serve a four-year term of office. Financial disclosure is required.
Visit MyEscambia.com for details.
Prohibition Repeal Dinner raises $16,000 for Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle
Restaurant Paradis recently announced their eighth annual Prohibition Repeal Wine Dinner, presented by Inlet Beach Real Estate, raised $16,000 for Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle.
Guests gathered at the Rosemary Beach fine-dining restaurant for an intimate private dinner that was Gatsby-inspired. Upon entry, ticket holders made their way into the bar area to enjoy specialty cocktails made with Black Sheep Tequila and served in a commemorative glass courtesy of Buddy’s Seafood.
Attendees then made their way into the main dining room where they were seated for a special five-course meal prepared by Paradis’ award-winning chef, Mark Eichin. Each course was expertly paired with wines by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits and sponsored by local businesses and individuals including Ali and Rob Weil, Seed Cleaning and Services, Swiftly Catered, and Tracery Interiors.
Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle is a community-based, family focused, platform that services communities in areas that include Gulf Breeze and Pensacola.
Visit neurodiversefl.org for details.
Take part: To make a Causes submission, email [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Local advocates join 1,500-mile Walk in My Shoes to promote awareness