The Amador County Child Abuse Prevention Council was recently awarded a $3,000 grant by the Amador Community Foundation to support programs that encourage changes toward safer behaviors in Amador County residents.

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Amador Community Foundation for their generosity," said Robin Valencia, program coordinator of the ACCAPC. "The grant money will go toward the purchase of a laptop computer to provide free presentations and training, and will help support our fund-raising activities."

This year the council will be a fund-raiser beneficiary of the 20th annual Great Sutter Creek Duck Race. "We hope that business owners and community members will support us by purchasing advertising and adopting lots of ducks," Valencia said.

The ACCAPC provides free training in the area of child abuse prevention that includes Internet Safety, Shaken Baby Prevention Education and Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training. In 2006, the ACCAPC provided these programs to more than 2,500 community members.

The council also works closely with other organizations that support children and families.

Larry Fossen, ACCAPC chairperson, is excited about the grant. "This grant will allow us to secure additional funding so we can increase our staff's time in the community, expand the programs we have already established and to develop more programs to keep the youth of Amador County safe," he said.

ACCAPC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under the umbrella of the Amador Community Foundation. Members of the council are volunteers from county and community agencies, and the community. The council receives the majority of its funding from the County Children's Trust Fund, state funds, and from the generous donations of Amador County property owners, businesses and residents. Donations received via the property tax inserts are used to replenish monies taken from the Children's Trust Fund account.

Donations to the ACCAPC may be made online at www.amadorcommunityfoundation.org or may be mailed to ACCAPC, 505-1 Highway 49, No. 183, Jackson, 95642.

For more information on the ACCAPC programs, presentations or training, contact Valencia at 223-5921.