St. Paul, Minnesota — State Representative John Ward (DFL – Baxter) congratulated constituents who received awards from Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota.
Mary Kay Hanson is a single parent to two special needs children. For many years she has been very active in child prevention work and in Circle of Parents. Mary Kay has worked her way out of poverty through education, and she is now employed by North Pines Mental Health Center in Brainerd as an outreach specialist.
Diane Jacobson began working 10 years ago to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect in the Brainerd area, through work as a CAPC and in church groups. She also taught stress management at Central Lakes College. Diane became active in prevention work following the death of her 2 year old grandson at the hands of his father while the child was visiting him in North Carolina.
Trista Matthews has been passionate about the success of Circle of Parents in Brainerd. She attended the fall workshop in Hibbing on brain development and brought that information back to her group with much enthusiasm. She is eager to take the facilitator training and be involved in Statewide Parent Leadership.
“Congratulations to Mary Kay, Diane, and Trista for their great work,” said Rep. Ward. “These constituents have made great contributions to help our local communities and strengthen families. They are an inspiration to all of us. Congratulations again, Mary Kay, Diane, and Trista!”