NJ Non-Profit Tackles Child Abuse [AUDIO]

Since 1979, Prevent Child Abuse has focused its efforts on an issue that affects so many children around the Garden State.

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"Our mission is to end child abuse, in all its forms, throughout the state of New Jersey," Executive Director Rush Russell said.

Russell says there are more than 9,000 confirmed cases of child abuse each year throughout the state, "but the reality is that there are far more cases that are never reported."

The non-profit has identified overwhelming family stress as a major cause of child abuse. To address that issue, along with other causes, they offer a slew of programs and services including:

• Home visitation
• Working with teen parents in high schools
• Child sexual abuse education initiative
• Education to help end shaken baby syndrome

He estimates that over 30,000 New Jersey families reached through their various initiatives, with $0.91 of every dollar going directly to programs.

"Our job is to prevent child abuse before it ever happens," Russell explained.

Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey holds their annual Freedom Run 5K, this Saturday, June 29th, at Johnson Park in Piscataway. The event starts at 8 a.m.

Russell says that events, such as the 5K, offer more opportunities to raise money and awareness for this important issue.

"It's somewhat of a silent epidemic in our state and something that needs to be addressed," he said.

Learn more about this group by visiting their website and Facebook page.

More Good News

The Trenton Digital Initiative

The Trenton Digital Initiative is a consortium of government, nonprofit, and business entities that will distribute free computers and low-cost high-speed Internet to economically challenged families in Trenton.

The initial rollout includes the distribution of 100 computers with low-cost Internet connection.  The initiative was first announced in March by Trenton Mayor Tony Mack.

Friends 4 Marcy Cancer Benefit

A fundraiser will be held on June 29 to benefit a Monmouth County woman battling stage 3 lymphoma and throat cancer.  Marcy Reed is a longtime resident of Monmouth County and has a long history with both the Shrewsbury and Atlantic Highlands fire companies.

The fundraiser hosted by Friends4Marcy, a non-profit that was established to help Marcy pay for her costly cancer treatment.  To learn more, visit their website.