Several honored for child advocacy in Belmont County

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A child abuse and neglect prevention luncheon was held on Thursday in Belmont County in which several were recognized for their service to the community, especially when advocating for children.

Members of the county’s department of job and family services, local law enforcement, the prosecutor's office, and community members gathered inside Undo's West to raise awareness for child abuse and neglect, while also honoring those who extend a helping hand.

First, the Shining Star awards were given out.

"A shining star would be somebody who is an advocate for a child, but doesn't work with children on a daily basis," said Vince Gianangeli, director, Belmont County Department of Job & Family Services.

The Lafferty and St. Clairsville Moose clubs each received the awards for donating nearly $17,000 dollars to job and family services.

Some of that donation will go toward the Belmont County Schools Staying Clean Program.

"Today I announced that we will be giving $1,000 to the Friends of the Juvenile Drug Court Program, and it's for the car show that Judge Fregiato and Cynthia Fregiato have," Gianangeli said.

The Child Advocate of the Year was announced with registered nurse and sexual assault nurse examiner Leslie Doerfler being honored.

“I have to share it with many people because it takes an Army to take care of children, it takes a community, so I share this with our community," she said.

"She worked at Belmont Community Hospital and assisted us in our most severe cases of child abuse and neglect, and we're really going to miss her because now she's in Cambridge," Gianangeli said.

Belmont Community Hospital has since closed permanently, but Doerfler's work made there made a lasting difference.

"For a small rural on the edge of the border of Wheeling, small hospital like that, I moved mountains to see these patients, and for that I’m proud of it," she said.

As more children enter the foster care system, children services will continue to do its part to help.