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April 8, 2010 Dear Editor The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County is endorsing the renewal of Issue 12, the Portage County Children Services Levy, on the May ballot. The renewal levy will not raise taxes. Take the time to visit the Web site www.protectportagekids.com to read about Susan, who came into the Portage County Children Services’ system of care a frightened, difficult teen because of parental neglect. She could have chosen the wrong road. With the help of her case worker and adoptive parents, she is now a college student working and living on her own. It is an inspiring story about what happens to a young person when a community cares enough like Portage County to support levies that maintain a system of protective services. Funds from renewal Issue 12 will continue services that are critical for helping children and teens like Susan. These services include investigations of suspected abuse or neglect; counseling; adoptions; finding safe homes for children in the county’s care; emergency services to support families in crises; parenting education; and the 24-hour CARES Hotline that allows citizens to report suspected cases. The work done through Children Services with levy funding helps prevent more serious problems for youth and families such as addiction and mental illness. The Mental Health & Recovery Board encourages the voters of Portage County to vote for renewal Issue 12 to maintain the local services that protect kids, strengthen families and work to keep communities healthy. Ron Heineking
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Protect Our Children!
Remember to vote on May 4, 2010.
Paid for by the Portage County Children Services Levy Committee
Ruth Carnes, Chair - Tari Addison, Treasurer
