HAVEN invites all community members to attend one of two Kids Are Our Business Breakfasts. In honor of HAVEN’s 45th anniversary, they will be celebrating in both counties. Join HAVEN on April 5th at The Oaks Country Club in Somersworth, NH, or on April 12th at Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in Rye, NH. Registration will begin at 7:45 am, followed by breakfast, networking, and a presentation at 8:30 am. This popular breakfast event shines a light on HAVEN’s prevention education programs, offered at schools throughout southeastern New Hampshire.
“We wanted to bring back two breakfasts not only for our 45th anniversary but also to allow guests to attend the event that works best for their schedule.” Executive Director, Kathy Beebe explains. “We are excited not only to reach more community members but also to highlight HAVEN’s services and programs.”
Since COVID, the world has tragically seen an increase in online exploitation, especially targeting children. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, between 2021 and 2023, the number of online enticement reports increased by 323%. So how can we help keep our kids safe? HAVEN will be providing support and insight on how we as a community can continue to protect ourselves and our youth. “We are so honored for the opportunity to talk to adults at two of HAVEN’s special 45th anniversary events,” Michele Ryan, HAVEN Educator, said “While we love educating middle and high school students about how to stay safe, we can protect them more when we ensure that the grownups in their lives are educated and actively engaged. It’s a privilege to share knowledge that can bring everyone together to protect our kids.”
“We wish we could just wave a magic wand and make online sexual exploitation disappear, but we know that there is no instant remedy,” stated Loryn, one of HAVEN’s Educators who will be presenting at this year’s breakfast. “Even if we can’t just make it disappear, however, we do have a very powerful tool to make it better than it is right now. And that is the power of communication. So, let’s talk.”
Talking is exactly what HAVEN Educators do best. Through the Safe Kids Strong Teens K-12 Prevention programs HAVEN educators visit classrooms throughout Rockingham and Strafford Counties, with the goal of helping to keep kids safe from sexual and domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and teen dating violence. While the focus of their programming is preventing violence, promoting body autonomy, and priming consent, they know that some of the children they see have already been victimized. These programs empower children of all ages to reach out for help, for themselves and their peers, and to connect with supportive adults.
HAVEN is also excited to update guests on the success of our first-year Camp HOPE and Pathways Mentoring program. In 2021, HAVEN partnered with Camp HOPE America, the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program to focus on youth impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma. The Camp HOPE and Pathway Mentoring Program fosters resilience, optimism, and hope in youth and helps to break the generational cycle of abuse so kids can enjoy bright, healthy futures.
Please join us to learn more about HAVEN’S youth programs and how to support youth in your community by engaging with HAVEN.
For information visit: https://havennh.org/kids-are-our-business-breakfast/
If you have questions or would like to learn more about sponsoring this or other HAVEN events, contact Katelyn Souphakhot, Development and Marketing Manager at (603) 766-4358 or development@havennh.org.