Woodland Park proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month; local parents describe services

The Woodland Park City Council on April 17 proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and heard from Community Partnership Family Resource Center staff and members of the organization's Parent Advisory Committee about local services for families.

Jody Majares, CEO of Community Partnership Family Resource Center, told the council that local nonprofits are experiencing funding cuts and asked residents to support local programs that strengthen families. "As big changes continue to be made around how government funding is distributed," Majares said, "please be aware that our local nonprofit organizations are struggling with drastic reductions in funding."

Parent advisory committee members Kristen Woodward and Sandoz Perez described programs including Parent as Teachers, Nurturing Families, parenting classes, play groups and integration supports that they said help caregivers build protective factors. Woodward said a parenting class helped her and her husband gain a "common understanding" for handling challenging parenting situations. Perez said participation boosted his confidence and social connections.

Majares read the proclamation into the record; it recognizes the role of partnerships among child welfare, education, health, faith-based organizations and law enforcement in prevention and urges residents to support strong families. The council accepted the proclamation and thanked the presenters.

Councilors and staff emphasized the importance of prevention, community partnerships and local resources in supporting caregivers and children.