Educational Presentation
Empowered to Protect:
A Pastors and Faith Leader’s Training on Youth Safety
Join us March 6th from 11:30am – 1:00pm!
CrossPoint is hosting an impactful training event called “Empowered to Protect” aimed at educating pastors, faith leaders, and community leaders on the critical issues of child abuse, commercial sexual exploitation, and trafficking (CSET). This event will equip attendees with the knowledge, awareness, and tools needed to identify at-risk youth, understand trauma, and provide effective support for affected individuals and families within their church and local communities.
As trusted figures in their communities, faith leaders often have unique access to individuals and families in crisis. This training will ensure that they are empowered to protect and support youth who may be suffering in silence. The goal is to build a stronger, more informed faith community that can act as a support system and advocate for youth safety and well-being.
You Must Sign Up to Attend This Workshop *this workshop is only $10 to cover the cost of lunch, please RSVP below!*
Why Attend:
- Empowerment and Action: Equip yourself with the necessary tools to make a tangible impact in protecting children and youth within your church and community.
- Community Collaboration: This event is an opportunity to build a network with other faith leaders and community advocates working to combat child abuse and trafficking.
- Enhanced Support for Affected Families: Learn how to provide appropriate emotional, spiritual, and practical support to families dealing with trauma, creating a safer space for healing.
Who Should Attend:
- Pastors, Ministers, and Clergy
- Youth Ministry Leaders
- Faith-based Social Workers and Counselors
- Community Outreach Coordinators
- Volunteers working with children and youth
- Any faith leader or community advocate committed to child and youth safety
This workshop will be led by Nahiomi Pagan, Case Manager at Baystate Family Advocacy Center in Springfield
Event Schedule
Participate Live at the Pioneer Valley Church of Christ (85 Montcalm Street, Chicopee, MA) or online via Zoom. Lunch will be served to onsite participants.
- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Lunch is served on-site
- 11:45 AM – Zoom session is activated and runs until the conclusion
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Workshop is Presented
- 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM Questions and Answers
Why This Matters:
Child abuse, trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation affect countless children and youth across the country. As faith leaders, you have the power to protect and guide those in your congregation and surrounding community. By attending this training, you will not only gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify warning signs, but also become a part of the solution in addressing one of the most urgent issues facing children today.
Join CrossPoint for this essential training session to become an empowered advocate for the youth in your care, and help us build a safer, more compassionate community for the next generation. Together, we can create a network of awareness, understanding, and protection to safeguard the most vulnerable.
Key Focus Areas:
- Understanding Child Abuse: Learn the various forms of child abuse, the signs to watch for, and how to intervene effectively.
- Commercial Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking (CSET): Gain insight into how trafficking and sexual exploitation manifest in today’s world, how to spot red flags, and what resources are available to support victims.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Explore the importance of trauma-informed approaches when interacting with those affected by abuse or exploitation, including understanding the long-term effects of trauma on youth and how to offer a safe, supportive environment.
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: Understand the legal obligations of faith leaders when encountering suspected cases of abuse or trafficking and learn the best practices for reporting and referring affected individuals to appropriate resources.
- Practical Tools and Resources: Walk away with tangible tools, such as screening methods, referral contacts, and support strategies, to implement immediately in your community.