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Prevent Child Abuse Iowa (PCA Iowa) recognized two Community Heroes at the statewide Child Abuse Prevention and Family Support Conference in Ankeny on May 7. The organization sought nominations for Community Heroes throughout the state who have made a positive and significant impact on their community, exemplifying the spirit of PCA Iowa’s mission to strengthen families for safer, happier childhoods.
Recognized for their positive impact on the lives of children were Kelly Manker from Council Bluffs and Jennie Garner from North Liberty.
As an in-home family consultant with Boys Town of Iowa, Kelly Maker advocates for families by giving them a voice and teaching them how to effectively communicate to ensure their needs are being met. He is passionate about the families he works with as well as Boys Town of Iowa. Kelly shows commitment to his organization each day through his work ethic, leadership, and drive to keep families and children safe. He is active in his community and helps families access community resources to help meet their needs. Kelly is known to consistently model professionalism through his outstanding communication skills and ability to develop relationships with families.
In her role as Director of the North Liberty Community Library, Jennie Garner assembles programming that meets the needs of families and children in her region. Her prevention efforts start with education of her employees, and she opens sessions to the community North Liberty as well. Jennie has created an after-school snack program so children don’t have to be distracted by an empty stomach when studying. According to her co-workers, Jennie would rather children be at the library with her caring staff and safe shelter, than be unsupervised, underfed, or mistreated.
In the spirit of this year’s conference theme, “Your Hand in Prevention”, the Community Hero Award is a recognition of those who have gone above and beyond in making families and the community a safer place for children. PCA Iowa thanks our Community Heroes for their leadership and passion in strengthening Iowa families.