County Executive Jim Kreuser today gave the first Connie Reyes Award for Excellence in Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention to Karyn van Heijningen of Community Impact Programs.
Kreuser thanked all of those who work to prevent child abuse and neglect and proclaimed April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Kenosha County. The theme for the month-long commemoration is “Keeping kids safe and families strong.”
“The things you do, hear and see are very difficult, but, as a result of your work, lives are saved, families are strengthened and our community is better,” Kreuser said at an event honoring those who work in the area of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention.
The event focused on honoring Connie Reyes, a Kenosha County social worker, who was murdered in her home on April 12, 1990 as revenge for placing a child in foster care.
Kreuser said Reyes was killed simply for doing her job, protecting children.