The Kennebec Valley Community Action Program in Waterville is joining others across the state with a new initiative, the Front Porch Project.

The Front Porch Project of Maine is a community response initiative, funded in part by donations to the Maine Children’s Trust on behalf of Marissa Kennedy, a child tragically lost to child abuse. The initiative is based on the belief that everyone has a role in helping to protect children and support families in their community. Maine Children’s Trust has partnered with the Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Councils to offer the Front Porch Project training to communities, groups, faith-based organizations, schools, and businesses statewide. It provides community members with the knowledge, training, and encouragement they need to take an active role in supporting families in their community, according to a news release from the private, nonprofit organization.

The community training increase awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention and what impact culture, gender, and socioeconomic status can have on parenting style. It also helps to identify when and how to offer support or step in to protect a child in a dangerous situation and discussions on possible responses, interventions, and problem-solving strategies.

The free virtual training is three hours and can be done in one session or split into two shorter sessions. The Front Porch Project initiative creates a community that works together to prevent child abuse and neglect and inspires a caring and compassionate community.

For more information or to schedule a date for a training for a group or organization, contact KVCAP’s Family Enrichment Council: Kennebec County — Becky Lambert at [email protected], or 207-859-1588; or Somerset County — Kristen Plummer at [email protected], or 207-859-2520.