HUNDREDS of community members, including tourists, participated in the Division of Youth Services’ Family Fun Day event at the Civic Center in Susupe on Saturday.
The event was the final activity of this year’s observance of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month.
DYS Director Vivian Sablan expressed her gratitude to community members for their participation in the month-long activities.
“We want parents and families to know that DYS is here to help,” she said. “DYS and our partner agencies are here to provide the help and support that each family needs to prevent child abuse and neglect,” she added.
DYS will continue to raise awareness and provide services and support to strengthen families in the CNMI, she said.
“We will do our best, but we are in this together. We invite the community to work with us in preventing child abuse and neglect,” she added.
In a separate interview, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho thanked parents “for bringing their kids” to the Family Fun Day event.
“We have to work together to stop crimes like this,” he said. “Child abuse and sexual abuse are serious crimes which can be stopped or avoided if everyone in the community takes responsibility.”
Among this year’s Family Fun Day activities were paddling, an obstacle course, a big truck show, food and various performances.
DYS also recognized its employees for their hard work and their contributions to the community’s fight against child abuse and neglect.
These employees are Julian R. Camacho, Benylin R. Mettao, Mariah M. Barcinas, Juanicia Villanueva, Melycher Sablan, Marge Mendiola, Christine Aldan, Quaid Ngirchongor and Stanley Michael.
DYS also wants to thank all the sponsors who made the event successful: 670 Rocksteady, Ace Hardware, Ana Ada & children, Blossom’s Floral, Brabu Pharmacy, Bridge Capital LLC, Calvo’s Insurance, Coca Cola Beverages, D&Q, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Himawari, IT&E, J’s Restaurant, Joeten Superstore, Latte Built, Marpac, McDonald’s, Modern Office Supply, Monster Pizza, National Office Supply, Pacific Engineering Group & Services, Pacifica Insurance, Saipan Computer Services, Shipley’s Coffee Shop, Triple J Wholesale & Truckload Store, and Yaong Corporation.
DYS is likewise grateful to the exhibitors: the Community Guidance Center-Suicide Prevention Program and Systems of Care, CNMI Head Start, Colorado Nights, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Labor, the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the Division of Coastal Resources Management, the Department of Finance, the Department of Public Safety, CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Hope Recovery, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Karidat Social Services, Medicaid, MODE Fitness, the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc., Project Rowina, the Saipan Paddling Club, and the Youth Affairs Office.
DYS is also thankful to the vendors: Sofia’s Creations, Leah’s Arts & Crafts, Nana’s Creation, Construction & Material Supply, Department of Public Works, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Young Gunz, Bistro Boys, Delia’s Cup, Island Grindz, Island Snow and Twisted Smoke.
DYS Director Vivian Sablan also expressed her gratitude to all the lawmakers who donated to the Family Fun Day event and brought their families to join the celebration.
Hundreds of community members participated in the Division of Youth Services’ Family Fun Day event on Saturday at the Civic Center in Susupe.
DYS provided information about its services and programs to community members and families.
The annual observance of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month ended with a Family Fun Day at the Civic Center.
DYS recognized its hardworking staff during Family Fun Day.
