Southern Illinois groups to be honored by Poshard Foundation

Two organizations from Saline County and the rest of Southern Illinois that serve abused children will be honored by The Poshard Foundation this week.

April, recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, will end with a press conference at John A. Logan College by The Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, where 29 grants totaling $70,000 will be awarded to area organizations.

According to foundation director Jo Poshard, the grants were made possible through the proceeds from the 2015 Poshard Foundation Brunch. "We are very grateful to each of our donors," Poshard said. "As Child Abuse Prevention Month winds down, it is clear that thirty days isn't enough time to sound the alarm for abused children in our region."

Groups from Saline County that will receive grants are CASA of Saline County and Mentors4Kids of Harrisburg.

The Poshard Foundation, a public charitable organization located out of John A. Logan College, was founded by Glenn and Jo Poshard in 2000. The foundation is an all-volunteer group that receives donations from individuals and businesses, not the state or national governments. It exists to provide funding for children in crisis, such as car seats, counseling, or special medical equipment for the examination of sexually abused children.

The press conference will be held in the Board Conference Room at John A. Logan College at 1:00 p.m. on Friday.