The Center strives to help parents and children deal with abuse when it has already occurred, to prevent further abuse, and to provide support and training to families where a potential for abuse exists.

The Agency was founded in 1984, through the Owatonna Exchange Club and the National Exchange Club Foundation, whose national project is the Prevention of Child Abuse.

OUR FOCUS:   "It shouldn't hurt to be a child"

SERVICE AREA
Dodge, Rice, Steele and Waseca Counties

FUNDING
· Six Exchange Clubs  (9% of budget)
· United Way agencies (35% of budget)
- Dodge County, Steele County, Waseca, Faribault and Northfield   
· County Human Service contracts in Steele, Dodge and Waseca counties
· Fund-raising:    "GOLF to Prevent Child Abuse" and "A NIGHT to Prevent Child Abuse"
· Other service clubs and organizations
· Individual donors

STAFF
4 full-time employees, 1 part-time employee.
Volunteers: Family advocates, Board Members, fund-raising

3-PRONG APPROACH TO PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE
· Violence Prevention Education in schools -
2^nd Grade - SAFE - "Good Touch / Bad Touch" Prevention of sexual abuse
3^rd Grade - SELF-CONTROL - Identify and discourage Bullying & Teasing
4^th Grade - RESPECT - How to respect yourself & others
5^th Grade - SOLUTIONS - A process for Conflict Resolution
· Community Awareness of the problem of child abuse -
Media spots, Community events, Newspaper articles,
April: Child Abuse Prevention Month--Blue Ribbon campaign;
October: Violence Prevention month --"Hands are not for Hitting"
· Core Program:   
Family Advocates who mentor parents to help them become the best parents they can be.   The Family Advocate meets weekly with the parent to work toward the goals with have been set up with the Case Manager.  They assist in problem solving, building confidence and self-worth, teaching parenting and coping skills, and lowering the stress level in the home.

The Center for Family Unity accepts referrals from Dodge, Rice, Steele, and Waseca County Human Services, Public Health, school professionals, court services as well as self referrals. The Center's services are aimed at helping the whole family.