Funding raised to support vulnerable children across Southern Illinois was distributed during Child Abuse Prevention Month through grants awarded by the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children.
The foundation announced $106,500 in grant funding to organizations providing services for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
A total of 28 grants were awarded, with the funding designated for programs directly assisting children and families throughout Southern Illinois.
Organizations receiving funding include Arrowleaf, Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois, Brightpoint, Cairo Women’s Shelter, Caritas Family Solutions, CASA programs, Centerstone, the Children’s Medical and Mental Health Resource Network, Clarity Women’s Care, the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center, Hoyleton Youth & Family Services, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Southern Region, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Southern Region, the Perry-Jackson Child Advocacy Center, Shawnee Health’s Healthy Families Program, the Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless, the Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center, Spero Family Services, the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center, the Survivor Empowerment Center, The Amy Center, The Guardian Center, The Night’s Shield, and the Two Rivers Child Advocacy Center.
Foundation Director Jo Poshard said the annual grant announcement is intended to highlight the ongoing issue of child abuse and neglect.
“April is state and national Child Abuse Prevention Month. Our Foundation distributes these grants in April to draw attention to the plight of abused children in Southern Illinois and to remind the public that child abuse exists twelve months a year…not only in April. We must be vigilant year-round,” Poshard said.
According to the foundation, the grants help support services including counseling, medical care, food assistance, and recreational opportunities aimed at helping children recover and rebuild.
Foundation officials said the need for support remains significant across Southern Illinois, where many children continue to lack access to safe environments and essential resources.