SCAN Executive Director Sonia Quinonez, Jennifer Landis-Sanots and ABC7's Leon Harris Photo Contributed
SCAN of Northern Virginia honored five heroes on March 25 from across the region as “Allies in Prevention” for their work to prevent child abuse and neglect and support the growth of strong, nurturing families in
our community. ABC7'S Leon Harris, a SCAN honorary board member, presented the awards.
In Arlington, the honor was given to Jennifer Santos, a parent and youth
workshop facilitator, program coordinator and mental health therapist for Arlington County. In that multi-faceted position she administers a grant
from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Families (which she won for the
county) to help provide parenting classes and other programs for youth and families. She also coordinates the Strengthening Families parenting
program in Arlington.
Her commitment to children goes beyond her work in Arlington. Santos also founded Career Definitions, a project which provides tools to help youth plan for future careers, stay connected with parents during the college application process and go on “Career Tours,” opportunities for students to see jobs up close in the Washington, D.C., area.
The Allies in Prevention awards luncheon serves as a region-wide kick-off for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which began April 1. SCAN’s
Kids Need Connections campaign will continue throughout the month, with a focus on educating all adults about the critical importance of a child
having multiple, positive connections with adults in their life.
If community members or businesses want to get involved, they can become “Pinwheel Partners,” sharing resources or planting pinwheels to show their support for prevention. To learn more contact SCAN of Northern Virginia at 703-820-9001 or www.scanva.org.