The Violence Prevention Taskforce of Union County, NC hosted the 1st Annual Prevention and Intervention Service Awards Luncheon at the Union Agricultural Center on October 28th.
The Taskforce awarded 11 individuals for their tireless efforts helping victims of child maltreatment, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Local personality, Mike Redding, emceed the event and shared a personal story of his battle with family violence as a small child. Local resident, John Gruca gave a powerful message of his family’s experience with sexual violence and what a wonderful job the network of agencies in Union County did to protect and aid his family and ultimately prosecute the offender. Tina Simpson provided a solo performance of the song, Concrete Angel. Chief District Court Judge, Chris Bragg closed the program with a call to action to make a difference in the lives of other through education and prevention in our county.
This year’s recipients were:
- Sergeant John Rogers, Monroe Police Department
- Detective Scott Stroud, Union County Sheriff’s Office
- Judge Joseph Williams, NC Court System
- Dr. Willard Helmuth, Union County Health Department
- Kerri Mosley, Union County Public Schools
- Wanda Sue Larson, Department of Social Services
- Shalisa Byers, student
- Shirley Sturdivant, survivor
- John and Karena Gruca, advocate
- Jolene Kurtz, volunteer
Placemats were created by the UCPS After-School program students. Guests were encouraged to take a placemat with them as a reminder of the day’s event and the victims in our community that need the help of agencies and the men and women who work tirelessly for their rights, safety, and protection.
Lunch was provided by Hilltop Bar and Bistro. Special thanks to Carolina’s Medical Center- Union for sponsoring the event.
The Violence Prevention Task Force of Union County is committed to providing a community-based team dedicated to the prevention of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence. The team will reach out to the community through education and awareness ensuring violence in any form, is not tolerated in the Union County community. The task force meets the fourth Thursday of every month.
If you would like to join or for more information contact: Nicole Blevins 704-290-0162 or Krystin Jacobs at 704-283-9150.
Other articles you might also like
- Union County Violence Prevention Task Force Hosting 1st. Annual Prevention & Intervention Awards Luncheon On Wednesday October 28.
- Turning Point Of Union County Opens The Second Chance Boutique
- Balloon Release Highlights Tragedy Of Domestic Violence
- Congress Woman Sue Myrick Releases Video Statement Concerning Mammogram Recommendations From U.S. Preventative Task Force
- Union County Woman’s Club Fall Fundraiser
