Both the City of Vicksburg and Warren County declared April Child Abuse Prevention Month at Monday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen and County Board of Supervisor’s meetings, respectively.

Executive Director at The Exchange Club of Vicksburg Child and Parent Center, Inc. Avis Phillips was on hand at both meetings to accept proclamations. Phillips told those in attendance at the city’s meeting the Exchange Club could use volunteers for its latest outreach program.

“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and a way that y’all can help is to volunteer,” Phillips said. “We have parent aid volunteers and we have CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers. But, the parent aid is a new program in which we are going out and getting families that still have their children, but they’re on the verge. So, we’re going in and helping the families.”

Phillips said the program is not a quick fix, but can have lasting results for those who take part.

“The program takes a year,” she said. “But we set goals to get them where they are not where they are going to lose their children. That’s a new program we started this year and we’re real proud of it. But, we need volunteers, or donations, because our list is getting longer.”

Anyone interested in volunteering or making donations may reach out to the Exchange Club at 601-634-0557 or to Phillips via email at avis@vcapctr.com .