SVPP Invests in Child Abuse Prevention

(from the May 2009 Newsletter)

Listen to Kids has been selected by a team of Partners as our newest investment in the Portland community. Established in 1983, Listen to Kids pioneered a classroom model for age-appropriate instruction to prevent physical, sexual and emotional abuse or to get help if abuse occurs. It also teaches the adults in the kids’ lives to prevent, detect and deal with abuse. This Kids Can™ program currently serves approximately 5,000 kids. In 2006, Listen to Kids also began serving non-abusive parents fleeing domestic violence to support their children in recovering from the stress and trauma of domestic abuse. This Parent Child Involvement Project has been supported by the Portland Children's Investment Fund and is one of 15 sites chosen nationally to participate in a SafeStart research project conducted by RAND. Long term, Listen to Kids expects to support programs around the state and nation to replicate the model in their communities.

Through SVPP’s Capacity Building Fund investment, Listen to Kids is poised for further growth and development. In addition to a $5,000 grant, Listen to Kids will engage in a capacity assessment and outcomes measurement at the outset and work on their marketing, fund diversification and leadership and Board development.