Ron Polito made innumerable contributions to his community through Interface Children & Family Services, most notably helping us to address trauma in all forms. He was especially passionate for our child abuse prevention program, “My Body Belongs to Me”, now offered to thousands of children ages 3-12 across Ventura County annually. Ron served on the Board of Directors for another nonprofit, Child Abuse and Neglect (CAAN), when Interface merged with that organization in 1997, embedding the “My Body Belongs to Me” program within our Family Violence Intervention & Prevention Department at Interface. This program exists today because of Ron and his refusal to see this critical education program end – he will be remembered in the lives of thousands of children in our community who know peace, love, and hugs, not trauma. Ron was a loyal and fierce advocate for trauma education and advocacy for the remainder of his life.
Ron’s service on the Board of Directors at Interface began in 1997, and he served in many roles including Board Co-Chair and participation on our Administration & Finance Committee throughout those years. His passion, leadership, and presence will be sorely missed.
In his memory, we have created the Ron Polito “Be Well, Do Well” Education Fund at Interface. The fund captures one of Ron’s signature phrases as he would conclude his emails to colleagues by writing “be well, do well”. This fund will be prioritized to provide ongoing funding for prevention education programs and services, including his beloved “My Body Belongs to Me” program. This fund will ensure that these educational programs will not only continue but expand so that children, teens, and families be equipped with the education and understanding they need to be safe, healthy, and to thrive.
About My Body Belongs to Me
A personal safety/child abuse prevention program, My Body Belongs to Me, is for children from preschool through 6th grade and their families. The program works to educate and empower children in a non-threatening way, so that they may be better equipped to avoid abuse. This safety program teaches children how to respond to potentially dangerous people and situations. The program is offered to schools, day-care centers and other child care and youth facilities free of charge. To learn more about the My Body Belongs to Me Program call (805) 485-6114 ext. 691
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