As the new executive director of The River Center, I am amazed every day by the awesome crew I am so lucky to work with. This is the first of what I hope will be many opportunities for you to hear directly from our staff and truly understand what The River Center means to them and to this community.

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I’d like to highlight Kelli Tourgee, our home visitor/parent educator. Kelli has served in this role at The River Center for 27 years. Over the years, we’ve received countless affirmations of her work and her unique ability to meet families where they are, helping create positive change and outcomes.

When asked why she does this work—and why she has stayed so long, Kelli shares: “It is because of a young teen mom that I am on this earth, and it was because of a loving young family that adopted me that I am who I am. My journey helped define my desire to help with what was, at the time, the biggest issue facing our community-teen pregnancies. Over the years, teen pregnancy rates have gone down in this area, and I’ve grown to appreciate my work with families even more, especially since what I truly love is working with kids. I also like letting people know about resources – because if you don’t know they exist, it’s almost as if they don’t.”

Kelli continues: “Families are struggling—emotionally, physically and mentally. But across the board, no matter the situation, every parent can benefit from support. Every parent wants to be the best parent they can be for their kids.”

When asked what keeps her at The River Center, she says: “I get to do something different every day. I work with incredible people, and I love staying connected to the community.”

We also asked Kelli how the work has changed over time and what hasn’t changed?

“A lot hasn’t changed in terms of our passion for supporting young families, our nonjudgmental approach, and the ongoing need in the community. We continue to meet people where they are. I understand the struggle of families on limited incomes, for example, the self-perpetuating cycle of malnutrition and being overweight. I often see families judged for ‘making bad decisions,” she said, when in reality, their choices are limited by their circumstances and lack of resources. “I introduce families to the local farmers’ market, where they can build a connection to their food and the people who grow it. Through programs like Double Up Bucks and EBT, they can access affordable, high-quality produce.”

Kelli explains that success looks different for every family. It might be:

-- A baby having tummy time on the floor for the first time.

-- A child enjoying and eating potatoes from a farmers’ market trip that they helped make.

-- Supporting someone through their first visit with a mental health provider.

-- Connecting a child to early intervention services for developmental delays.

-- Encouraging a single mom to attend her first parenting group.

When asked what kind of support is most helpful from the community, Kelli says: “Financial support for The River Center is always helpful-it gives us the resources to serve more people. But just as important is spreading the word and becoming advocates for The River Center and the work we do. That helps us help more people.”

Finally, on why Child Abuse Prevention Month is so important, Kelli shares: “All of our work-including our partnerships with other agencies-contributes to reducing child abuse and neglect. Shining a light on it keeps it in the public conversation and raises awareness.”

Odette Butler serves as executive director of The River Center Family and Community Resource Center. She can be reached at 603-924-6800.