The stories that don’t get told hide secrets that affect lives. The Child Abuse Prevention Association, one of United Way of the Lowcountry’s partner agencies, takes a multi-pronged approach to help prevent abuse and to provide support and shelter to abused children.
• “Through CAPA’s outreach programs in the schools, students become knowledgeable on steps to take to prevent/alleviate child abuse and neglect,” one student said.
• “After CAPA presented to my class, I’ve observed my students using the safety steps before bringing their issue to me. This established self-respect within children,” said another.
• “The programs offer great examples of bullying and harassment,” a student said.
“CAPA is a keystone agency in the Lowcountry, and we all are fortunate to have their caring and highly qualified staff to serve children in need,” said Clarece Walker, CEO of United Way of the Lowcountry.
“Dollars given locally to United Way of the Lowcountry stay local, helping organizations such as CAPA provide safe, secure shelter for children who cannot remain in their homes with abusive caretakers,” she said. “We hope people will dig deep this year to help us reach our 2012 goal of $2.8 million needed to fun our agencies, partners and services.”
United Way of the Lowcountry is launching a tutoring initiative in eight schools. The goal: Ensure that 80 percent or more students are reading at grade level when they enter fourth grade.
The United Way of the Lowcountry Board of Directors announced gifts and pledges have been received totaling  $871,508, about 31 percent of the 2012 Fall goal of $2.8 million.
“When we all work together to advance the common good, that’s what it means to Live United,” he said. “It’s time we all come together in Beaufort and Jasper counties, under the United Way umbrella, and help each other.”
To learn more about United Way and its work to make our community a better place, call 843-982-3040 or visit www.uwlowcountry.org.