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Lake County proclaims April Autism Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention months; local programs highlighted
Summary
The Lake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two resolutions recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. County and program staff described services, volunteer opportunities and a JFS hotline for reporting concerns.
The Lake County Board of Commissioners on the thirteenth regular meeting recognized April 2025 as Autism Awareness Month and also proclaimed April 2025 Child Abuse Prevention Month, unanimously approving separate resolutions and hearing presentations from local program staff.
The board heard from a presenter identified as Alfie and from Rachel Urbanek, program manager of the Imagine vocational habilitation program, who described work-based training the program provides to adults on the autism spectrum. “What we do is we work, we’re a vocational habilitation program for people diagnosed with autism and we work with other businesses in the community,” Urbanek said, describing program activities including a small business that produces dog treats called Pieces of Imagination that program participants help make, package and sell.
Commissioner Beveridge, who introduced the autism resolution, described a personal connection to the issue: “In my own family, I have a nephew who’s autistic, and he’s one of the joys of our family.” Commissioner Plecnik said the recognition reminds the community of the range of abilities among people on the autism spectrum and the contributions they make in many professions.
Separately, Job and Family Services staff described county efforts to prevent child abuse and the resources available. A Job and Family Services speaker noted the department maintains “a 24-7, 365 day a year hotline. That number is (440) 350-4000 and press number 1.” The speaker also said social services staff responded to nearly 1,500 calls related to abuse, neglect or other child safety concerns in February 2024 and encouraged citizens and mandated reporters to call when they suspect harm.
Mary Udyks, identified in the meeting as an assistant administrator at Job and Family Services, outlined community awareness activities planned for April, including distribution of educational materials and blue-and-silver pinwheels at the Job and Family Services building on April 9 and a statewide “wear blue to work day” on April 9. Commissioners agreed to the department’s request to light the courthouse blue that night.
The two proclamations were approved with unanimous votes by the three commissioners present. Commissioners and program staff said the recognitions aim to raise public awareness and encourage community reporting and support for services.
