More about Darkness to Light | Blog by Ro Molyneux

Yesterday was a very exciting day! I had the privilege of accepting a $3,000 grant from Foundation Community Partners at their annual luncheon to continue our work with prevention of child sexual abuse education.  I was one of twelve, local non-profits to receive a grant to continue promoting a healthier and safer Bucks County. 

Of course I stood up, walked to the podium, thanked Foundations and Ron Bernstein, but then took the opportunity to be sure the audience understood the importance of Darkness to Light.  I quickly explained that the awareness program called “Stewards of Children” teaches adults to recognize, prevent and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.  To be sure they understood the gravity of this training, I gave them four startling statistics:

• 1 out of 10 Children will be sexually abused prior to their 18th Birthday
• 60% of victims are abused by people the family knows and trusts
• 90% of victims know their abusers
• There are 39 million survivors and only 5-10% disclose

This program assists parents in understanding the facts, how/when to talk to their children, to be alert, how to handle a disclosure, and local resources.  I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to present to over 60 organizations and individuals and train several groups.  I feel strongly that this program is fully supported and recognized by our social services organizations including NOVA, Bucks County Child Advocacy Center and Children and Youth.

Immediately after the luncheon, I attended our Coalition meeting that supports the effort to spread the word of this movement throughout Bucks County.  I am proud to say that we have achieved our goals of receiving $8,000 in grants and have trained an additional sixteen facilitators in the county who will share the program with interested groups. Our Coalition Goal is to train 5% of Bucks County, which will begin a positive movement. What a great day for all of us to be proud of our accomplishments!

The Y also offers D2L classes once a month.  Next class is November 13th at 6:30 PM.

For more information or to set up a class, please feel free to contact me at the Central Bucks Family YMCA at Rmolyneux@cbfymca.org