Heart of Illinois Safe From the Start is turning 10!!!  We are proud of 10 years of service to our community in responding to children's exposure to violence.  We will be hosting a CELEBRATION on June 30th.  Please contact our office for more details.

The HOI Safe From the Start Coalition will be meeting on the following dates:  September 20, January 18, and March 21st.  All meetings will be held at the Center for Prevention of Abuse from 11:30-1:30.  Please RSVP to 686-5229, lunch will be provided.

The next Heart of Illinois Safe From the Start Coalition Meeting is March 15, 2010 at 12:00pm.  Contact Sara Dillefeld at 686-5229 to RSVP or for additional information.

In April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month, Heart of Illinois Safe from the Start presents to preschools. The curriculum used is similar to that presented in the fall to Kindergartens.

Every October the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence promotes the causes of women and children caught in violent situations. Heart of Illinois Safe from the Start takes a unique approach in paying tribute and honor to those who have been traumatized by family violence. In October, Heart of Illinois Safe from the Start visits classrooms across the Tri-County area and presents non-violent curriculum to kindergarten classes free of charge. Each presentation is unique and geared to promote prosocial behaviors in children. Topics covered in past years have included "It's Not OK to Bully", "The Rainbow In You", "Helping those in Need" and "Pay it Forward". These topics help children to become connected to their communities and learn to express themselves in appropriate ways