Dillon Public Library Hosts Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness Series

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Public Library is inviting community members to attend a series of Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness programs designed to educate, inform, and strengthen families across Beaverhead County.

The series, titled “Strengthening Families, Safeguarding Futures: A Community-Based Approach to Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect,” is presented in conjunction with a grant from the Montana Children's Trust Fund. The grant supports presentations by local and regional authority figures to raise awareness and provide practical tools to prevent child abuse and neglect.

The public is encouraged to attend. Light snacks will be provided, and activities will be available for children attending with parents or guardians.

Past Presentations

January 24 — Heather Denny: Homelessness

February 7 — Margaret Kachadurian: Mindfulness for Families

February 24 — Natalie Paulbeck and the Dillon Police Department: Solutions to Prevent Sexually Groomed/Trafficked Youth in Our Community

Upcoming Presentations

March 10 | 5:30 p.m.

Representatives from Child and Family Services will present at the Dillon Public Library.

March 24 | 5:30 p.m.

Representatives from Child and Family Services and the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program will present.

March 28 | 11 a.m.

Izzi Simonsen – Women’s Resource Center

Safe Childhoods: Understanding the Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

Izzi Simonsen, Programs Manager at the Women’s Resource Center, has worked with survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families since 2020. Holding bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, along with a Victim Advocacy Certificate from Montana State University Billings, Simonsen is currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Montana.

In this workshop, parents, caregivers, and community members will learn how domestic violence impacts children emotionally, behaviorally, and developmentally. Participants will explore common child reactions and practice practical strategies to help create safe, nurturing environments.

April 14 | 6 p.m.

Maria Emmer-Aanes

April 21 & 28 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Melissa Winger – Two-Part Course

This two-session course focuses on understanding how coping skills and emotional patterns are passed down through families. Parents will learn to recognize their own emotional habits, build awareness around family dynamics, and practice healthier responses to stress and strong emotions.

The course aims to strengthen parents’ emotion regulation skills, helping them better connect with and support their children’s emotional development.

May 2

Heidi Gibson