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by Jenni Ragland –
DISPLAYING THE AWARD are (l-r) Lt. Col. Ray Moulton, Anne Choi (executive dir. Booth & Cares for Kids), Majors Mariam and Bob Rudd. |
The Salvation Army Cares for Kids Program was recently recognized as a Light of Hope, providing safe haven to abused and neglected children in Anchorage. The Alaska Court Appointed Advocates (CASA) Program presented the award as part of local National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month activities.
In Alaska, where per capita child abuse ranks among the nation’s highest, programs like The Salvation Army Cares for Kids is a critical component of the safety network for vulnerable children. The program, which serves children ages birth-10, is open 24 hours a day to provide safe haven to abused and neglected children.
Infants born to drug-addicted mothers have been discharged from the hospital to Cares for Kids when other family is not available to provide care for them. Children who come to the program have been living in unimaginable circumstances, many bearing physical evidence of the trauma in their lives. Staff welcomes them into a loving, homelike atmosphere where they can begin the process of healing. More than 750 children have found safe haven at The Salvation Army Cares for Kids since the program opened in August 2002.