Child-advocacy funds are saved

To the editor:

This is a belated thank you to all of the Southeast Missouri legislators for their tireless efforts and support this past legislative session for the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence. The funding to this center and the 14 other child-advocacy centers in the state was targeted for elimination. Our area leaders rallied to protect this funding and to keep services to abused children available.

I want to specifically mention state Sen. Jason Crowell as the leader of this effort. Crowell put in many long hours and met with numerous legislative leaders to champion this cause. Without his support the children served by the child-advocacy centers would have been lost.

When it is so easy these days to talk about what is wrong with government and our leaders, it is equally easy to overlook the hard work these people put into protecting the most vulnerable in our society, abused children. These leaders have difficult decisions to make and cannot possibly please everyone with their actions. It is an untenable position to be in.

It is with my deepest respect and heartfelt appreciation that I say to all our area leaders: Thank you for caring for these kids and being their voice. I cannot say enough about the tremendous support the Southeast Missouri leaders, both Democrats and Republican, give on behalf of our littlest citizens.

TAMMY BEA GWALTNEY, Executive Director, Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, Cape Girardeau