Local Notebook

Children's museum and Child Advocates to receive awards

Understanding that children enrich our lives today and are the promise of our future, the San Jose Bahá'í Community will recognize community organizations that serve children's needs.

The 21st annual Service Award will be granted to Child Advocates and Children's Discovery Museum at a banquet at Lou's Village Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. Keynote speaker Dr. Dwight Allen, eminent professor of education reform at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., has received more than 20 awards for outstanding service in education. Having authored many books and numerous articles on education theory and practice, Allen provides an experienced and discernable perspective on the educational needs of our children.

More than three children die each day as a result of parental abuse. A child is abused by a caretaker every 10 seconds. In an attempt to protect children from neglect or abuse, more than half a million children in the United States are placed in foster care.

Child Advocates is an organization that makes sure children have a mentoring adult who can speak for their needs when their fate is being decided in court. Child Advocates pairs volunteers with foster children to build a caring relationship that could possibly change the course of that child's life forever.

The trained volunteer also works with social workers, attorneys, teachers, therapists and foster parents. Using knowledge gained from their close relationship, the advocate can ensure the child's needs are met by the court. Child Advocates and its volunteers provide a caring network to help transform abused, neglected children into healthy, self-reliant, non-abusive adults.

The Children's Discovery Museum recognizes children's significant role and provides a warm and inviting environment that nurtures their sense of discovery and development. The museum uses interactive exhibits and programs to develop a child's awareness of cultural communities, human connection and personal creativity. These self-directed exhibits use science, arts, technology and humanities to develop a child's understanding of his or her role in our global and local communities.

Reaching beyond adolescence, the Discovery Guide Program staffs the museum while offering training and paid work experience for at-risk youths, women re-entering the work force and adults learning English as a second language.

For children and adults alike, the museum is a center for learning and discovery.

For information or reservations to attend the banquet, contact the San Jose Bahá'í Center at 408.277.0510.

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