Keeping Kids Safe

Praesidium Accredited

The YMCA of Pueblo has been awarded the highest honor for abuse prevention practices by Praesidium. This accreditation reaffirms the YMCA's unwavering commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all members, staff, and program participants. Praesidium specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Pursuing Praesidium Accreditation creates a pathway to align the organization's mission and values with best practices in abuse prevention. This also gives organizations written resources to strengthen prevention efforts, and consultation with Praesidium experts.

The YMCA of Pueblo is one of the first 30 Y's in the country to receive this accreditation, and the first in the state of Colorado to receive it. The accreditation process consisted of a 7-month process. Starting with a thorough review of the policies and procedures, an onsite inspection of operations, and then full implementation. The Praesidium Accreditation demonstrates that the organization meets the highest standards in abuse prevention. Sexual abuse is a preventable risk and together we can make a difference.

REPORT AN INCIDENT

Hotline Numbers:

Praesidium Helpline dedicated to YMCA: 1-855-347-0751 (Anonymous Reporting)
Pueblo County Department of Human Service: 719-583-6901
Statewide Hotline: 1-844-264-5437 (1-800-CO-4-KIDS)

IF A CHILD REPORTS ABUSE TO YOU

BELIEVE THEM: Let them know you believe what they are telling you and listen
STAY CALM: Fear of your anger or you being upset is why many children do not disclose abuse
RE-ESTABLISH SAFETY: Protect them from the abuser and reassure them that they are safe
GET HELP: Report abuse to the appropriate agency; medical or emotional care may also be needed

Parents As Partners

We consider parents/guardians our partners in protecting children. As an ongoing practice, we invite parents to review our written standards and engage with us in the care and development of their children by talking to your children often and consistently about how to stay safe. But how you do have effective conversations, from which children absorb valuable information that they may need later? Make sure the information you deliver is easily understood for your child's stage of development. Learn more at ZeroAbuseProject.org.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE OR A CHILD MAKES A DISCLOSURE

If a child discloses that someone hurt, scared, or made him or her feel uncomfortable, stay calm and listen. Your reaction has a powerful influence on your child! Do not react with anger and disbelief, as they may feel shame or guilt and shut down. Instead, believe children and make sure the child knows you believe them, thank the child for telling you and praise their courage for speaking up.

To report abuse, you can contact Praesidium Helpline dedicated to YMCA: 1-855-347-0751 (Anonymous Reporting)

At the Y all reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with children or allegations of abuse at the Y will be taken seriously. The Y will fully cooperate with authorities if allegations of abuse are made and investigated. The Y cooperates fully with the authorities to investigate all cases of alleged abuse. Any staff or volunteer is expected to cooperate to the fullest extent possible in any external investigation by outside authorities or internal investigation conducted by the Y or persons given investigative authority by the Y.

If you have any questions or concerns about Y staff or volunteers, or another program participant, you can:

Call the YMCA Safety Line 804.474.4345. (This is a voicemail. Please leave a message and the Y will get back to you.)
Child Help Hotline (The child help provides guidance and support for child abuse victims.)

Email any of our Leadership Team below
Report concerns to YMCA staff

Meet our Leadership Team!

The YMCA of Pueblo is committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of child protection. Our leadership team actively supports and enforces all child abuse prevention policies and procedures.

If you have questions, concerns, or would like to speak with a member of our leadership team, please contact any of the individuals below.

Janelle Andrews
CEO/President
[email protected]

Colleen Jones
Chief Operating Officer
[email protected]

Dirk Hodge
Senior Program Director
[email protected]

Nicole Flanscha
Child Development Director
[email protected]

Ashley Leinen
Culture & Curriculum Director
[email protected]

Rowan Sprouse
Community Program Director
[email protected]

Rylee Lile
Membership Retention & Wellness Director
[email protected]

Jason Shomaker
Facilities & Property Director
[email protected]