Latest news with #CenterforPreventionofAbuse
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Duck race supports Central Illinois abuse prevention center
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Mark your calendar for the August 23, release of the ducks to benefit the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Celsy Young, the center's communications manager, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk more about the ducks and what they accomplish during the Aug. 23 race. The 37th annual Duck Race is one of the longest-running duck races in the country, and all proceeds directly support the center's programs and services, which include emergency shelter, safety planning, counseling, therapy, legal and medical advocacy and prevention education. 'All kinds of things to help people along their journey to a peaceful life,' said Young, explaining why the ducks matter. 'We see 6,000 central Illinoisans through our doors every single year, and on top of that, we actually see 41,000 students in the tri county area, through our prevention education program, where we're helping to stop abuse before it can start.' Another accomplishment of the ducks is that they can bring their owners lots of fun items such as a $10,000 grand prize, a weekend getaway, and a variety of gift carts and items. Race Day festivities include live music by Sista and the Misters, food trucks, inflatables, face painting, and lots of splashing as the ducks take to water at 1 p.m., Aug. 23. Ducks can be adopted online at by phone at (309) 691-0551, by mail to P.O. Box 3855, Peoria, IL 61612, or at select locations throughout Central Illinois. Each duck is $5 with some volume discounts, and keep an eye peeled for pop-up, BOGO deals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Center for Prevention of Abuse awarded $20,000 grant
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Rotary Club of North Peoria awarded the Center for Prevention of Abuse $20,000 during its club meeting at the Barrack's Carter Inn on Thursday. These funds were raised during the Rotary Club's 'Mardi Gras 2025: Taking Action to End Human Trafficking' event in February. The event shared information about human trafficking locally and around the world. Carol Merna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, said the grant will supply critical support for the Center. 'Human trafficking is when freedom is stolen. From illicit massage facilities to factories and brothels to farms and panhandlers caught up in a begging ring to cleaning crews and domestic servitude, human trafficking is the second-largest criminal enterprise in the world, and it is a serious issue right here at home,' Merna said. 'Our work to serve survivors, and CFPA's efforts to educate and train on awareness and prevention, are our core responsibilities, but we cannot do it alone. We are deeply grateful for the Rotary Club of Peoria North for their partnership and their commitment to the many thousands of people affected by this heinous human rights issue.' Rotary Club of Peoria North to presents $20,000 to combat human trafficking The Center provides services for victims of violence. It is the only agency in Illinois that provides services for Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse/Assault, Human Trafficking, Adult Protective Services, and Prevention Education under one roof. During the meeting, a $9,000 grant was also awarded to the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery. Anyone who wants to report a human trafficking incident can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Rotary Club of Peoria North to presents $20,000 to combat human trafficking
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Rotary Club of North Peoria announced it will be awarding the Center for Prevention of Abuse $20,000 on Thursday. That grant plus a $9,000 grant to the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery will be presented during the club's weekly meeting at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday at the Barrack's Carter Inn. These funds were raised during the Rotary Club's 'Mardi Gras 2025: Taking Action to End Human Trafficking' event in February. The event shared information about human trafficking locally and around the world. Mardi Gras celebration raising money to end human trafficking Carol Merna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, said the grant will supply critical support for the Center. 'Human trafficking is when freedom is stolen. From illicit massage facilities to factories and brothels to farms and panhandlers caught up in a begging ring to cleaning crews and domestic servitude, human trafficking is the second-largest criminal enterprise in the world, and it is a serious issue right here at home,' Merna said. 'Our work to serve survivors, and CFPA's efforts to educate and train on awareness and prevention, are our core responsibilities, but we cannot do it alone. We are deeply grateful for the Rotary Club of Peoria North for their partnership and their commitment to the many thousands of people affected by this heinous human rights issue.' The Center provides services for victims of violence. It is the only agency in Illinois that provides services for Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse/Assault, Human Trafficking, Adult Protective Services, and Prevention Education under one roof. The Rotary Action Group Against Slavery uses funding to support Community Awareness & Prevention Education projects around the world. Rotary Club of North Peoria President Ashley Schreck said she wants everyone involved in ending human trafficking. 'By boosting awareness and supporting human trafficking services, Rotary Peoria North wants to encourage more people everywhere to get involved in ending human slavery,' Schreck said. Anyone who wants to report a human trafficking incident can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
5K in East Peoria raises money to help victims of abuse
EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, area residents showed up in droves to say 'I run with survivors.' The Center for Prevention of Abuse held its 8th annual I Run with Survivors 5K and Walk. People from all over central Illinois showed to run — or walk — to help those who have been affected. Proceeds go to the center to help those who have been victims of all types of abuse, said Carol Merna, the center's CEO. 'We have a crisis hotline that's available 24 hours a day seven days a week for all survivors of abuse,' she said. The event, which was emceed by WMBD's very own Rebecca Brumfield, took place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the Levee District in East Peoria. More than 200 people participated in the race and walk. Guillermo Rolon won 1st overall in the 5K with a time of 17:13, a 5:33-minute pace over the 3.1-mile course. Sandi DeFord took home the title for the women with a time of 22:55, which was a 7:23 pace. The event was a way for people from all over to show up and show support for those who have experienced abuse. 'It just means a lot to help an organization that helps kids, as well as a lot of people in the area that are in need,' said participant Nathan Young. Young, an avid runner who mainly does half and full marathons, said this is about his fifth year doing the 5K held by the Center for Prevention of Abuse. He has gotten either first or second in the last couple of years. Participants all received a shirt as well as a gift bag with a Chick-fil-A coupon among other goodies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mardi Gras celebration raising money to end human trafficking
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The 2nd annual Mardi Gras celebration at the Warehouse on State raised funds to try and end human trafficking, and people had a good time while doing so. It's led by the Rotary Club of Peoria-North in partnership with the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Gin Burwitz, a member of the Rotary Club, said human trafficking is something people 'don't like thinking about' but added that it's important for people to be aware of it. 'We can do two things at once. We can be dancing and partying and having a great time and still fighting the bad guys,' she said. Live music was provided by Dexter O'Neal and the Funk Yard Band. Funds were raised through raffle tickets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
