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June 9, 2026
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Tommy Stapleton, Owner
INSURANCE CLAIMS SPECIALIST
What If Every Adult in Fannin County Chose Prevention? Fannin County Children’s Center In the 2026 census estimates, there are approximately 27,042 adults age 18 and older living in Fannin County. That number may seem like just another statistic — until you stop and consider what it could represent. What if every one of those adults completed child abuse prevention training such as Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® program? What if every teacher, coach, pastor, volunteer, par-
ent, grandparent, neighbor, business owner, and community member understood the warning signs of abuse, knew how to respond appropriately, and felt empowered to protect children before harm occurred? It would not simply create a trained community. It would create a culture of protection. Too often, conversations surrounding child abuse begin only after a child has already been harmed. Com-
munities mobilize after disclosures are made, investigations begin, and trauma has already taken root. While intervention and advocacy are critical, prevention remains one of the most powerful — and underutilized — tools we have. Child abuse prevention training changes the mindset from reacting to abuse to actively preventing it. Programs like Stewards of Children® teach adults how to recognize grooming be-
haviors, identify boundary
violations, respond to disclo07/02/19 sures, and create safer envi-
ronments for children. More importantly, they challenge one of the greatest dangers surrounding abuse: silence. Children rarely have the power, language, or confidence to protect themselves alone. Prevention depends on adults paying attention. It depends on adults being willing to ask difficult questions, report concerns, and create environments where children
feel safe enough to speak. Imagine the impact if 27,042 adults shared that responsibility. Imagine every youth sports program having trained volunteers. Every church understanding protective policies. Every classroom supported by informed adults. Every family equipped with practical knowledge about internet safety, healthy boundaries, and warning signs. Predators often rely on se-
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crecy, isolation, and community discomfort. Prevention training disrupts all three. A trained adult is more likely to notice behavioral changes. More likely to intervene when boundaries are crossed. More likely to believe a child. More likely to report concerns early. More likely to prevent abuse before it escalates. Continued See Children’s Center on page 3
Jill Sheppard, B.S., SLP/Audiology, Kenneth Sheppard, Jr., LFDHI
When you have a hearing loss, it forces your brain to work harder to interpret sounds, leaving you frustrated, exhausted, and often feeling isolated. It can also lead to more rapid cognitive decline for some people, which can be frightening. The good news is that with WIDEX’s remarkable hearing aid technology coupled with brain training customized to your needs, you can stay fully engaged with your life. Imagine the joy of casual conversations, streaming music, differentiating the sounds of nature! We want to help you maintain your independence so you can engage with friends and family – with life – more easily. Call now. We want to help you hear all the sounds of summer.
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Jill Sheppard, B.S., SLP/Audiology, Licensed Fitter and Dispenser of Hearing Instruments (LFDHI), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Co-owner of HearCare & Associates
1800 N. Travis St., Suite D • Sherman, TX 75092 • 903.868.2650 | 800 E. California, Suite 4 • Gainesville, TX 76240 • 903.868.2650 | www.hearcareinc.com
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It’s worth your time. It’s about your life. Hearcare, Inc. & Associates, TX - SW33291 May Fannin County Leader Front Page.indd 1
5/4/2026 3:33:55 PM