Katy Rallies for Change: The 3rd Annual Superheroes Event Takes a Stand Against Child Abuse and Sexual Assault
On April 23, 2024, Katy Christian Ministries (KCM) will hold their 3rd Annual Superheroes Event at Katy City Hall. The event, which aims to raise awareness of child abuse and sexual assault, has become an annual tradition marked by solidarity, support and a determination for change.
Fueled by the dedication of Ford Leadership Scholars and local groups, this commemoration will exhibit a striking display on the City Hall lawn, starting at 9:00 AM. Attendees can anticipate seeing life-size wooden cutouts of superheroes alongside wooden ribbons and pinwheels, each symbolizing the relentless fight against child abuse and sexual assault.
This year's event will honor the Methodist Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners as the community's "Superheroes", recognizing their invaluable contribution to supporting victims of abuse. The Superhero event is a platform conceived three years ago by Susan Hastings, the former Crisis Center director at Katy Christian Ministries. Inspired by a child abuse prevention display that she saw in passing, Hastings pulled together Ford Leadership Scholars from Katy ISD, creating an annual tradition to acknowledge outstanding community service in assisting victims.
Among their many support services for those in need across the Katy community, KCM offers numerous services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Their Crisis Center provides a 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling services, continuous emotional support, and educational programs designed to raise awareness and prevention.
Last year, KCM played a crucial role in assisting 3,192 victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. According to the KCM 2023 impact report, their hotline received 1,141 calls, and they provided 2,741 domestic violence crisis intervention sessions and 2,165 sexual abuse crisis intervention sessions, an indicator of the substantial and far-reaching impact they have on the community.
The previous Superhero event featured a united front of community advocates, including Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), first responders, and City of Katy officials. Katy Mayor William H. Thiele marked the occasion by proclaiming April as "Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month," reinforcing the community's commitment to combat these societal issues.
Katy Christian Ministries' annual Superhero event stands as a testament to the heroes that tirelessly work to support victims and strive for a safer, more compassionate society. The community is invited to join the fight against child abuse and sexual assault in the Katy area.
By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region. |
