From the Executive Director’s Desk:
As we begin Child Abuse Awareness Month this April, our Amani Center team is thinking not only about the children we serve today, but also about the children who will need us decades from now. Every child who has experienced abuse deserves a safe place to be heard and cared for, where they can find hope and healing. Today, you have the opportunity to help make that possible through your support of a new Amani Center facility.
Our Capital Campaign to build a permanent home for the Center is more than just a building project; it is a promise for the future. A promise that no child will have to wait to be seen. A promise that families will find the essential services they need all under one roof. A promise that our multidisciplinary team partners will have the resources they need to work together to end child abuse. A promise that our community will have access to prevention services that help stop abuse before it happens.
Child Abuse Awareness Month is not simply a date on the calendar but a call to action. It asks us to look earnestly at the children in our community with concerns of abuse and respond with compassion, resources, and unwavering commitment to their healing. Supporting the construction of a new Center facility is one of the most impactful actions that you can take to answer that call. As we shared last month, we recently secured $1.023 million in federal funding that helped us to reach 57% of our Capital Campaign goal, and with your support we can bridge the remaining gap to bring this project to completion. Visit our Capital Campaign page to learn how you can be a hero to Columbia County children for generations to come.
Throughout this month, we will also share the many ways that you can be a hero to kids by supporting the daily operations of the Center. From participating in our superhero-themed Race Against Child Abuse on April 25th, to sharing our posts, donating, or even volunteering your time, you can make a difference in both small and significant ways to support children impacted by abuse. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to help us increase child abuse awareness in our community.
Thank you for supporting us during this important time of year and also during this pivotal moment for the agency. As we prepare and plan for a new permanent facility, we know that none of this would be possible without your generous support and heartfelt care for vulnerable children. Thank you for walking with us on this journey to build a Center that reflects the resilience and hope of the children we serve.
With gratitude,
Amelia Kercher, Executive Director
What’s New?
In our continued efforts to expand abuse prevention resources throughout Columbia County, we have launched the brand-new Community Café group!
This group is not only for parents, but also for grandparents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, youth leaders, volunteers, and community members who regularly interact with children. Meet together with friends and neighbors to enjoy a delicious free breakfast and receive support and resources focused on uplifting our community’s children to be happy, healthy, and safe. Kids are also welcome!
Community Café meets the 1st Wednesday of every month, with the next meeting taking place on Wednesday, May 6th from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at Head Start in St. Helens. For further information, contact Rosa Gonzalez at 503-396-1892, or via email: rgonzalez@amanicenter.org.
April Spotlight:
During the month of April, there are three special give-back events benefiting the Amani Center in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month. We are honored to see so much community support from local business owners who believe in our mission to give child abuse victims a voice. Don’t miss these special events:
The Lodge Carts in Scappoose Round-Up: for the entire month of April, you can round up any purchase at the bar to donate to the Amani Center.
The Lodge Carts in Scappoose Give-Back Night: on Monday, April 6th, 10% of all purchases at the bar will be donated to the Amani Center.
Sass at Home “Shop for a Cause”: April 17-19th, receive 10% off your purchase, and a matching 10% will be donated to the Amani Center when you shop at Sass at Home both in store and online.
Invite your friends, family and neighbors to join in on these fun local events and let’s show the children we serve that their community cares for them!
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 p.m. – June Carter & Johnny Cash Tribute Show
Join us for a special evening of music, community, and giving in support of the Amani Center at the June Carter & Johnny Cash Tribute Show! Enjoy a night out on the town on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Plymouth Pub in St. Helens, with live music performed by Hayley Lynn and Blake Johnston. Guests are welcome to enjoy dinner during the show, with food and beverages available for purchase from Plymouth Pub. Tickets are $25 per person.
This event will benefit the Amani Center’s Capital Campaign, helping raise funds for the construction of the new Amani Center facility. This event is generously sponsored by Northwest Plumbing Services and Sass at Home, whose commitment to bettering our community helps make evenings like this possible.
Saturday, April 25 – Race Against Child Abuse
Lace up your running shoes and tie on your superhero cape for this year’s Race Against Child Abuse! Join in our fun superhero theme by dressing up in your best and brightest superhero gear to “be a hero for kids” at this year’s race! Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to start training now for the 2026 Race Against Child Abuse. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a weekend jogger, or just looking for a meaningful stroll with the family, there’s a place for you here. Choose your challenge: conquer the 10K, breeze through the 5K, enjoy the 1 Mile Family Fun Walk, create your own virtual race, or select ‘Sweet Dreams’ and sleep in for the cause.
Thank you to the Race Against Child Abuse Elite Sponsor, Wauna Credit Union! Also, a special thanks to Crooked Creek Brewery, the Official Timing Sponsor of the race.
Thursday, April 30, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Día del Niño Celebration
The Amani Center invites children and families to the FREE Día del Niño Celebration on Thursday, April 30th. Come enjoy this free children’s fair at Buccini Hall in St. Helens from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with delicious food, fun activities, and prizes for kids of all ages. Let’s celebrate our community’s kids together at this fun Children’s Day party!