Dear Friends,
As we transition from the summer season into the cooler days of fall, we wanted to share some exciting updates and express our gratitude for your continued support. We’ve had a busy, exciting summer, steadily expanding our services, our team, and our impact!
We could not do this work without you and our community partners. As we grow to reach more youth, educate more parents, and serve more survivors and their families – you are helping us make a difference.
We believe in the strength of our community to bring awareness and prevention to sexual abuse and human trafficking and to create a safe and nurturing environment for all. Thank you for being a part of our mission, and together, let’s continue to be advocates for those who need our services the most.
With gratitude,
Amber Clayborne, Founder
SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
Family Living Center
We continued our monthly workshops at the Family Living Center. Our groups centered around critical topics such as parenting, modeling consent and holding boundaries with family and community members. We are happy to provide childcare during our groups so that parents and caregivers are able to show up. Our sessions are pivotal in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children, and we’re grateful for the Family Life Center’s dedication to facilitating these sessions.
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center
ounder Amber Clayborne had the privilege of presenting a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention training to staff at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis. We highlighted key policies, shedding light on the critical importance of safeguarding our children. We are so thankful for organizations like the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center. Their engagement not only reflects their genuine care for our community, but also exemplifies their strong commitment to fostering community connections and ensuring protection for all.
Mental Health Fair
This summer we also tabled at the Mental Health Fair at the East St. Louis public library through a collaborative effort between Chestnut Health System and COFI (Community Organizing and Family Issues). It was a fantastic opportunity to promote prevention and education within our community and connect with other agencies supporting mental health like CASA, Brightpoint, and Hoyleton. We are thrilled to have been part of this event.
Back to School Events
In August, our Youth and Family Counselor, Hannah Rosenthal, tabled at the Cahokia School District’s back to school event, engaging with at least 50 parents to discuss Kerengende Foundation’s offerings and the services we will be providing to the district this fall. We are excited to build meaningful relationships with parents and students this school year!
We also had the privilege of participating in the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center Back to School event, where we engaged with over 400 families! Amber distributed 300 booklets highlighting child sexual abuse risk factors and prevention strategies while sparking lively conversations with families about parenting, consent, and boundaries.
Your Support, Our Gratitude: A Huge Thank You to the Church of Latter-Day Saints in O’Fallon
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Church of Latter-Day Saints in O’Fallon, Illinois, for their incredible dedication and generosity. In a remarkable service opportunity, they rallied together and assembled over 360 binders full of materials and activities that will empower and educate youth through our Healthy Relationships workshops in the Cahokia school district. We are also grateful for their incredible donation for SOS kits to support our youth with basic supplies when in need. On behalf of our community, thank you for your generosity!
Case Management Services Update:
We are proud to share that we have continued to provide case management and advocacy services to youth who have been impacted by human trafficking and sexual abuse and plan to grow these services this school year. Our services encompass a range of vital components, all aimed at helping survivors regain their sense of agency, security, and hope.
Our Youth and Family Counselor, Hannah, provides psychoeducation and coaching support on topics such as:
- Healthy relationships (e.g., boundaries, consent, and safe touch), positive decision-making, stress, trauma, and emotion regulation
- Development of skills in self-advocacy, effective communication, conflict resolution, and stress management
- Guidance with goal-setting and future planning, as well as help building executive functioning and life skills
- Support with growing positive self-esteem and increasing confidence in strengths and abilities
Our doors are always open. If you know of anyone who requires our support or if you have any questions regarding our case management services, please do not hesitate to reach out. We believe that every child deserves to live in a safe and nurturing environment, and we are here to make that a reality. Please contact Amber via our Contact Form.
Upcoming Programs and Events:
Educate, Empower, Protect – Healthy Relationships Workshops for Students
We are excited to announce our first major school district partnership with Cahokia School District #187! Beginning this fall, we brought our Healthy Relationships 7-week curriculum (Educate, Empower, Protect) to Cahokia middle schools to highlight self-esteem, communication, healthy behaviors, and red flags in relationships, as well as sexual abuse and human trafficking prevention.
This partnership will enable us to reach a larger number of schools and students, equipping them with valuable skills for their relationships. With engaging discussions, interactive activities, and valuable resources, we aim to empower students with skills that will serve them well as they cultivate and experience relationships. We believe that by fostering healthy connections among our youth, we can create a safer environment and reduce the risk of sexual abuse and human trafficking.
Non-Offending Caregiver Support Group:
This fall, we are kicking off another Non-Offending Caregiver Support Group to provide a safe space for parents and caregivers of children who have experienced sexual abuse to share, heal, and connect. Our support groups are led by Marilyn Holmes, LCPC ATR-BC.
We have spaces available and would love to have you join. If you are seeking support, this group will give you a compassionate community, expert guidance, and a safe and confidential environment. If you are interested in joining or have a referral, contact Amber via our Contact Form.
Staff Updates:
We are excited to welcome Elyssa Choi to the Kerengende Team! Elyssa joins us through the AmeriCorps Vista program.
Vistas build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies by helping them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities.
Elyssa will conduct research, community outreach and assist with developing partnerships with local community based organizations.
Join Us In Congratulating Marilyn!
We are thrilled to congratulate Marilyn Holmes, LCPC, ATR-BC, on her recent passing of her final counseling licensure exam in Illinois! With this success, she now becomes a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Marilyn, your dedication and hard work have paid off, and we celebrate your well-deserved success!
Marilyn has been an integral part of the Kerengende family supporting parents, youth and the growth of our agency! We are truly fortunate to have Marilyn as part of our team, and we look forward to her continued contributions in making a positive impact on our community.
Additional Highlights
New Office & Resources:
We have a new office! We have moved into a beautiful space at 1 S. Church St, Suite 501 in Belleville, Illinois. Our direct services will still take place at our location in West Belleville, while these offices will host our administrative services and meetings.
Are you interested in talking with your kiddos about body safety and consent but don’t know where to start? We offer valuable resources to assist you in this important conversation.
Simply reach out to us to schedule an appointment and pick up some carefully vetted and reliable body safety and consent books that can serve as helpful tools to start meaningful discussions with your kids.
Partner With Us On Trainings:
Prevention education is vital to stop sexual abuse and human trafficking in our community. We are dedicated and committed to teach the warning signs, spark conversation, and empower youth and families. To do this, we partner with YOU.
As Darkness to Light certified facilitators, we can bring a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention training to where you are. Kerengende Foundation teaches schools, community centers, churches, and youth-serving organizations on how to protect children.
If you think your organization, church, or group could benefit from one of our trainings, please reach out to Amber using our contact form.
Donate:
Your generosity empowers us to extend our reach, educate our community, and provide critical support to survivors and their families.
Together, we can work towards a world where everyone lives free from the fear of abuse and violence.
Amazon Wishlist: Make a direct impact by selecting and donating essential items.
Online Donation: You can also make a monetary donation securely through our website. Your financial support helps us continue our mission by providing online workshops, community education, and direct support to survivors and their families.
Thank you for being an essential part of our mission. Your support means the world to us.
