From the Executive Director's Desk:
It’s no secret that our community has recently been in national news headlines related to child abuse investigations in our local schools. For those of us who work in this field and hear these kinds of stories regularly, we know that while this story made national headlines, there are many stories every day that do not. Child abuse is more common than people realize. The CDC recognizes child abuse as a serious public health issue, noting that, “At least 1 in 7 children experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States.” In addition to the astronomical costs that this has on our economy (estimated to be $592 billion in 2018), “Child abuse and neglect can have long-term impacts on health, opportunity, and well-being.”
This is why Child Abuse Prevention Month is so important to us at the Amani Center. We often go about our work quietly, behind the scenes. But April’s designation as Child Abuse Prevention month encourages us to speak out and talk about it.
The Amani Center has spent the last 3 years working towards launching our own Mental Health Program to help child abuse victims heal, and we are proud to announce that this program launches this April, 2025! We will start serving our first Mental Health Program clients this month during our 25th anniversary year as an organization. Without the support of our community, volunteers and donors, we know that positive strides forward like this wouldn’t be possible. And because of their dedication, we can continue planning a bright future for the Center for the next 25 years and beyond.
We knew several years ago that child abuse prevention was the next area of growth that we wanted to take on as an organization. We started to plan and think about what that might look like, but that project has accelerated this year. In response to the previously mentioned news headlines regarding child abuse, we have had members of the community reach out to us requesting support, community education, and prevention. We have partnered with Protect our Children Oregon and other prevention-focused organizations to start providing support, trainings and activities to our community. We will have announcements coming soon with the details/scheduling of our upcoming child abuse prevention trainings planned for youth, parents, and child-serving organizations. These offerings and educational opportunities around how to prevent child abuse will be available at different days and times, in-person and online, all in an attempt to make our programs as accessible as possible to our community.
So, this Child Abuse Prevention Month, we aren’t just raising awareness and speaking out. We are taking the next steps to provide healing and develop a comprehensive prevention program for our community.
Thank you,
– Amelia Kercher, Executive Director
What's New?
A short time ago, the Amani Center held a community “Listening & Healing” session in Spanish, where we hosted local LatinX families and provided them with a safe space to share their responses to the recent child sexual abuse cases affecting our community. This event was held in partnership with Protect Our Children, an Oregon community-based training program providing educational resources to prevent child sexual abuse.
In addition to covering shared community responses to child sexual abuse and resilience efforts within families, parents also shared their concerns over a noticeable increase in racially motivated bullying behaviors that their children are experiencing at school.
With many volunteers onsite to assist with the session, our staff connected with community members in a personal way. Amani team members and volunteers were able to listen and share with participants about the support available to families, and staff in attendance that night shared that it was a very positive event where both kids and parents spoke about their personal experiences.
Additional listening sessions are planned to take place later this year in both Spanish and English; be sure to follow us on Facebook/Instagram to see new meeting dates announced. We also send a heartfelt “thank you” to team members from Protect Our Children, Columbia Health Services, and Beyond the Forest for helping to make this event a big success!
April Spotlight:
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we can’t wait to tell you about all the ways that you can help support our mission to give child abuse victims a voice! This month and all year round, you can be an advocate for child abuse victims by:
– Joining our superhero-themed Race Against Child Abuse, April 26th!
– Sharing our posts on Facebook/Instagram.
– Supporting our capital campaign to make a permanent home for the Amani Center a reality.
– Inviting us to speak to your group, organization or workplace about child abuse prevention.
– Reporting suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).
Let’s partner together this Child Abuse Prevention Month and put an end to child abuse in our community! If you have any further questions regarding child abuse prevention resources, education and training, contact us via email at: info@amanicenter.org.
25 Years of Amani:
We have another Amani Center scrapbook page to share as we look back on “25 Years of Amani” all throughout 2025, celebrating our 25th anniversary.
Check out these photos of our administrative building in 2002 – are you old enough to recognize the state-of-the-art “Gateway 2000” computers? We are happy to share that our computer systems have greatly improved since then!
If you’d like to celebrate our “silver jubilee” anniversary with us, consider donating via our 25th Anniversary donation page. All donations will support the building fund, making a permanent home a reality for the Amani Center.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more scrapbook photos from the past!
Upcoming Events:
Now through April 26th – Capes for a Cause Fundraiser at Alston Pub & Grub
We are excited to announce that the Alston Pub & Grub in Rainer is supporting our superhero themed Race Against Child Abuse with the “Capes for a Cause” fundraiser! Now through race day on April 26th, when you donate to the Amani Center at the Alston Pub & Grub, you’ll see your paper “cape” of support posted there. Thank you to the Alston Pub & Grub for advocating and caring for child abuse victims!
Monday, April 14th, 5:30 p.m. – Bunco at The Lodge Food Carts (Ages 21+ Only)
The Lodge food carts in Scappoose is hosting a new Bunco fundraiser night for the Amani Center! This monthly Bunco will kick off on Monday, April 14th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. with game play starting at 6:00 p.m. at The Lodge for participants 21+ only. Bring friends and win prizes at this fun night out supporting a great cause!
Wednesday, April 23rd, 5:30 p.m. – South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour hosted by Wauna Credit Union
The Amani Center will be a featured guest at the upcoming South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour at the St. Helens branch of Wauna Credit Union. As a part of their “Youth Month”, Wauna is showcasing organizations that they have partnered with that provide valuable youth services to Columbia County. Thank you to Wauna Credit Union for highlighting the Amani Center!
May 17th, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mental Health Fair & NAMI Walk
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ annual “NAMI Walk” fundraiser is coming soon! The Columbia County team is forming now for their walk on Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. at McCormick Park in St. Helens.
To participate in the walk, use this link to register with the Columbia County team. This event is co-hosted by Columbia Community Mental Health, with their Mental Health Fair taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the park, and the walk starting at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 17th – .3K Slacker Run (For 21+ Age Participants Only)
Calling all “slackers”! This fundraiser was made for you! Conquer a breezy .3K around the block in Rainier with breathtaking river views.
The pre-event party is where it’s at: a $1.00 beverage (well spirits/soda or tap beer), a mouthwatering donut, and a participation medal (because, you know, you showed up!) All participants are entered to win a fabulous one-night escape to ilani Casino & Resort, complete with a $120 gift card to experience their award-winning dining at any of the resort’s restaurants. Visit our race registration page to secure your spot!