Hello Heart to Heart volunteers,

In January 2016, First Community Church made a commitment to protecting all children from abuse by offering training in the nationally recognized sexual abuse prevention program, Darkness to Light. First Community staff (whether they work with children or not) and volunteers who work with children are required to attend a Darkness to Light sexual abuse prevention training. Re-certification for staff and volunteers who work with children is required every three years.

Since Heart to Heart shares a building with FC Preschool and since we allow minors to volunteer within our ministry, it is imperative that we uphold this commitment. The information learned in this training applies to everyone, not just those we encounter at church or Heart to Heart. All of us interact with young people and it is everyone’s responsibility to protect them, ourselves, and the church, from harm.

We will further commit to this standard by requiring our existing adult volunteers to complete the training program before January 6, 2025 (when we reopen the pantry after being closed for the holidays). Several opportunities to take the training program in person have already been offered this year. There is one remaining in-person training opportunity available to any FC staff or volunteer:

Wednesday, November 20, 10 am – 12:30 pm

Room 101, First Community North

Instructor: Julie Richards, Director of K-5 Ministry

In-person trainings are provided at no cost to attendees. If you have not been certified, please click here to register! Further opportunities for in-person sessions will be made available in 2025, as instructor availability allows.

If you are unable to do the free in-person training, please take the training online. The cost is $16. Once the course has been completed, forward your certificate of completion to us at hearttoheart@fcchurch.com to be recorded. We do not need completion certificates for those who have attended in-person sessions, as the instructor will provide that information to us.

Again, if you are over 18 years old, and your training is not completed by January 6, you will be unable to volunteer for Heart to Heart until it has been completed. If you have been affected by abuse and are emotionally unable to take the training, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Rev. John Girard.

I hope you will join us in this commitment. Click the buttons below to register or learn more.

Blessings,