Teen develops resource for abused children

When parents of sexually abused children came to the Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Menasha, they were given a booklet explaining what sexual abuse is and what resources are available to them.

Their child -- the victim -- was given nothing. At least that was the case until last spring, when 17-year-old Katie Jadin, a Crisis Center volunteer and a member of Appleton's St. Mary Parish, compiled a book just for kids.

Jadin prepared the publication as the project for her Girl Scout Gold Award, which she received last spring.

The booklet includes a definition of sexual abuse, activities to help children express their feelings and a list of resources where they can receive further help.

Mary Kleman, Crisis Center executive director, said the response to the booklets has been "extremely positive," not just from children and parents, but also from other agencies in the state who saw it and thought it was a wonderful book.

Jadin became involved with the Crisis Center three years ago through a Girl Scout mentorship program. She shadowed Kleman, then stayed on as a volunteer.

She works with the support groups for children from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The groups meet for 10 weeks each fall, winter and spring.

Jadin started as a helper with the groups, and is now a co-facilitator, said Jenni Kundinger, client services coordinator.

Jadin leads activities, such as worksheets and games, with younger children and talks to older ones about abuse "if they wanted to talk about it."

She said the games are designed to help the children express feelings and build trust.

Kindinger said Jadin, an Appleton East High School student, "has lots of energy. Even though she is very young, she has a high maturity level. I believe the kids see that as well as (that she is) something for them to look up to -- a role model.... We typically don't have minors help out with groups."

Jadin discussed the booklet with Kleman before she began the project. After compiling it, she prepared a $500 grant proposal for the United Way Youth Board to cover printing costs. Kleman edited the final book. Fox Valley Technical College printing and publishing students printed 1,000 copies, which are being distributed through the Crisis Center and the Outagamie County Human Services Department, Kleman said.

Jadin wants to teach students from dysfunctional backgrounds or different cultures.

Her parents are Ann and Tom Jadin of Appleton.