The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated $50,000 to the Children's Justice Center (CJC) on June 27 and $25,000 to A Breeze of Hope Foundation in Bolivia that works to prevent sexual abuse and violence against children.
Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women general president, presented a check to the Children's Justice Center while her counselors—Michelle Craig and Becky Craven—Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society general president, and Sister Cristina B. Franco, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, attended the event.
A letter from Church leaders read at the event states:
"On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society general presidencies, we acknowledge the important role your organization plays in our community. . . . Our hearts weep for the innocent victims of this terrible societal problem. We are firm in our commitment to protect, cherish, and stand with children."
On a later date, a donation event will be held in Bolivia for A Breeze of Hope Foundation. This is the fourth consecutive year the Church has made donations to support child abuse treatment and prevention.
About how Church members can help prevent or find healing from child abuse, Sister Bingham said, "Church members can help one another in reporting, in social work, and in physical protection. The ultimate source of healing is our Savior, Jesus Christ. We can understand the Atonement enough to recognize He is taking upon Himself every pain and every difficulty. Through understanding the Atonement, we can actually be healed because He has been through all of those difficulties."
As a member of a Church committee dedicated to preventing and responding to abuse, Sister Bingham says "the Church is very concerned" with preventing abuse and creating safe ways for victims to report abuse.
"The Church has zero tolerance on abuse," says Sister Franco. "If we are aware of what's going on and always lend a listening ear, we can raise awareness of child abuse and show that we are willing to help."
There are 23 Children's Justice Center's in Utah that assist 5,500 child victims every year. A Breeze of Hope Foundation fights against sexual violence to children and women in Bolivia, which has the highest rate of sexual violence in Latin America. They offer social, medical, and legal services and provide education and training to government officials, legal professionals, and the public.