LAKE HAVASU CITY — As a way to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month, the Haven Center of Lake Havasu will be hosting a free roller-skating event that invites children and parents to bolster their relationships through empowering activities. After much research and realizations that sufferers of household violence were often susceptible to revictimization during assessments by social services, the nonprofit was created by individuals in child protection industries in 2001. Collaborating with Haven Family Resource, they created a stable environment for individuals in the midst of trauma to have access to case management, community education, forensic exams, twenty-four-hour hotline, and much more.
In 2013, Kristen Langstaff came onboard as the Community Outreach Coordinator and developed the charity’s family support programs like productive parenting classes, children workshops, domestic violence, and personal safety courses. Additional information regarding the charity’s support can be viewed by visiting https://havencenterlhc.org.
Annually, Haven has organized a multitude of community gatherings to help local families such as their free family bowl day, game day in the park, swim day, movies in the park, parent university, and cares breakfast. Current Haven Center executive director Mary Lou O’Connell explained that the intentions of their ongoing events were created to provide learning resources, solidarity, and letting the children of the community know that their voices are heard. “These events not only encourage family togetherness, but also provide valuable educational resources. “They offer parents and caregivers meaningful opportunities to spend quality time together away from screens and distractions while fostering healthy positive interactions with their children and reinforcing the message that our youth matter and are supported as they learn and grow,” O’Connell said.
With free skate rentals included, this April’s event will have an array of family activities for both parents and their children such as a live DJ, photo booth, face paintings, baby got bounce booth, giveaways, and parenting resources. Helmuts, scooters, and skates, are encouraged to be brought for the wholesome entertaining night. In honor of the recognition month, the London Bridge will be brightened in blue, and Mayor Cal Sheehy will be making an appearance to sign a proclamation that will designate April as Childhood Prevention Month.
Haven Health Center’s Family Night is scheduled to take place on Saturday April 18 from 6pm to 9pm at Sarah Park at 7260 Sarah Parkway. O’Connell also shared that the more families they can reach through their ongoing events, will not only bond families, but make the city of Lake Havasu more impactful. “Research shows that when families feel connected and supported, they are more likely to thrive within our communities. Preventing child abuse and neglect starts with supporting families and connecting them to resources. Strong families build strong communities. We are stronger together,” O’Connell added.
Phaedra Veronique
