SOS, Inc. honored with statewide award

Topeka, KS – A statewide domestic and sexual violence advocacy organization honored the SOS, Inc. education and awareness program with its Program of the Year Award on February 8.

The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence tapped SOS, Inc. with the honor at its ninth annual Safe Homes, Safe Streets reception in Topeka.

“Prevention and education with children and youth is a very important piece of our work today,” says Joyce Grover, KCSDV executive director. “Kansas children and youth deserve this level of service. SOS is to be commended for their forward thinking.”

Emporia’s SOS school-based education/awareness program has grown from a consistent presence in four schools in the 2009 to 12 schools currently. Through this collaborative program, children are learning healthy behaviors and actions, how to recognize feelings, and how to appropriately respond to those feelings. Next, we honor KCSDV’s member program or project of the year.

Having advocates work in each school to create awareness for students and staff has enabled SOS advocates to respond immediately to disclosures that occur, and to work with school personnel to make sure appropriate services are identified for students and families.

“SOS strives to meet the needs of the schools, as this awareness is key to creating social change” says Missy Bane-Shelton, crisis services director at SOS, Inc. “Children and youth who know how to respond to their feelings in a positive way will prevent victimization and perpetration of relationship violence.”

SOS, Inc. is a non-profit social service organization serving six counties in central Kansas: Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris and Osage, with the mission to improve the lives of those affected by sexual and domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. Learn more at www.soskansas.com.

Photos available upon request.