Photo Left to Right: Taryn Mack (Chair) Carol Rose, Cathy Benda (Secretary) Kristen Zerbst, Marcier Pruner
The Superior Child Abuse Prevention recently awarded its annual Partners in Prevention Award. The award is named after Sally Hruska, a beloved community member and advocate of children. The award recognizes individuals or organizations working for the welfare of children and families in the tri-county area.
NOMINATED BY CATHY BENDA OF KFRC
Trinity Episcopal Church has been chosen by the Superior CAP, as the agency recipient for the Sally Hruska Partners in Prevention award.
In 1991, Keweenaw Family Resource Center (KFRC) was founded as a grass roots outreach program of Trinity Episcopal Church. In 1994 through community support KFRC became a private non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. Throughout the past 19 years Trinity has donated Playgroups space and over the last 10 year has provided office space including heat, lights and upkeep to KFRC at no charge. Trinity has supported the KFRC both financially as a community partner and by advocating for them for program funding from the Diocese.
Trinity Church has been a “behind the scenes” advocate for all families in the Copper Country and they are much deserving of this award.
NOMINATED BY SARAH PELTO
Carol Rose has been chosen by the Superior CAP council as the individual recipient for the Sally Hruska Partners in Prevention Award
Carol was nominated by Sarah Pelto who spent the last 3 months working for Keweenaw Krayons through the MI Works Summer Youth Program and she learned countless valuable lessons regarding child abuse prevention and the value of reinforcing family activities from Carol, “I learned from Carol the many creative ways to offer classes to low income and/or varied economic social classes by using free, low cost fees, bartering, and/or offering volunteer hours (time) to pay for classes and material fees.”
The dilemma of bartering can be a very sensitive issue and tends to bring up feelings of embarrassment and guilt. The thing I respect so much about Carol Rose is her ability to make expectantly uncomfortable financial situations one of a smooth and agreeable transition to a simple compromise, which leaves all community members feeling confident and safe in the Keweenaw Krayons environment. Carol never expects students to leave our Guitar classes if they didn’t have the cash for the five dollar fee, instead she discreetly have them check a (paid or not paid) box on the sign in notebook. The students have no idea who has paid or not.
Among all the small gestures of compassion towards others, Carol’s ability to build meaningful friendships with the community members is one that shines over the rest. People continue coming to Keweenaw Krayons for the warmth and understanding that Carol and the staff offer. Carol strives to treat all as equals and avoided judgment based on superficial appearances. I was sad to leave Keweenaw Krayons, knowing that I was leaving all the positive energy that emits from the doors; it is a safe place that provides for countless numbers of people, and I would be honored to know that Carol Rose receive the Sally Hruska Partner in Prevention Award from the SCAPC.
