MOUNT VERNON — In a symbolic tree planting ceremony on April 30, representatives of Job & Family Services and The Village Network came together to recognize April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
Matthew Kurtz, director of Knox County JFS, said that it was fitting that the tree is an oak tree.
“Small acorns into mighty oaks grow,” he said. “That is such a great analogy with working with children. The potential is there, and if given the right conditions, they will grow.”
Through a proclamation on April 6, the Knox County commissioners recognized the need to take care of children and youth in the community who do not have a safe, supportive environment.
“It’s sad to have to have a month to recognize those in those situations, but when things do go sideways, we have people in the community who will step in and help,” Knox County Commissioner Bill Pursel said at the ceremony.
The tree is near the Children’s Resource Center, 17606 Coshocton Road. The CRC provides residential treatment and foster care services for youths age 12 and above who face serious psychological and behavioral issues. The county owns the CRC building; Knox County JFS provides oversight to the programs and the Village Network manages the program.
Richard Graziano, chief executive officer of The Village Network, said the partnership with the county started 20 years ago under the leadership of former JFS director Roger Shooter.
Noting that “we’re trying to put ourselves out of business,” Graziano said the number of children served over the past few years is increasing rather than decreasing.
“We always want to work with the community to hep the kids,” he said. “Thank you to Roger Shooter for the [partnership] vision all those years ago.”
Matthew Damschroder, director of the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, agreed with the analogy of small acorns and mighty oaks.
Referencing the adage “wise men plant trees the shade of which they will never enjoy,” he said, “This tree is something where hopefully for years to come, even generations to come, folks can drive by and remember the commitment of those today who are planning for the future.
“I appreciate everyone’s commitment to the lives of kids,” he continued. “Each one of those lives is significant. This tree will help symbolize that commitment.”
Damschroder has firsthand experience with the foster care program through JFS. He and his wife fostered and adopted their 4-year-old daughter. They are caring for their son through the kinship foster care program and hope to adopt him this summer.
Following the ceremony, Damschroder toured the Family & Children’s Resource Center under construction behind the CRC. Once complete, the 7,600-square-foot family center will be a day-use facility offering additional clinical space for individual and group therapy, training space, family therapy rooms, and classrooms. Foster families as well as youths in the CRC will have access to mental health services in the new building. Kurtz anticipates the center to open in June.
“I am proud we are able to be part of this,” he said.
