09.02.16 | Adoption

OMAHA, Neb. (Sept. 2, 2016) — Reigning Mrs. Nebraska USA Universal Amanda Reinert, a two-time child sexual abuse survivor, recently won the Best Platform award at Mrs. USA Universal for her advocacy on awareness of child sexual abuse. On Thursday, Sept. 1, she donated this award to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) in honor of the RSafe® program which serves children impacted by sexual abuse.

Reinert shared her own experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse and how it has impacted every aspect of her life. Her goal is to bring attention to the need to educate the community about childhood sexual abuse and prevention and urge families to seek help. “I wasn’t educated and armed with the things that I needed as a survivor. My mom and my family weren’t educated. And now we have LFS RSafe®, and they are here for the kidsthey are here for the family, and it’s a true support system from start to finish, “ said Reinert.

She connected with LFS in the fall of 2015 and has continued to be a strong voice for children and families impacted by child sexual abuse. “There’s nothing that has ever meant more to me than when I won the platform award at Mrs. USA. And that means that out of 50 women standing on the stage, they recognized our mission and what we’re doing here in Nebraska,” said Reinert. “It was by far the most amazing moment ever. People are hearing us and what we’re doing is working.”

LFS President and CEO Ruth Henrichs, LFS RSafe® and Children Services staff filled the room to thank Reinert for raising awareness of child sexual abuse.  RSafe® Supervisor Carrie Gobel said, “Amanda, your support of the RSafe® program this past year has been invaluable. Your courage to share your story helps raise awareness of the magnitude of sexual abuse. Last year the RSafe® program served 400 children, but we know that the number of families impacted by sexual abuse is much higher.”

Reinert will continue to share her story, volunteer and advocate for vulnerable children and families affected by sexual abuse. She will be a key presenter at the upcoming Fandango/Wicker & Wine event on November 4th – an LFS event which raises funds for RSafe® offered in Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs, Iowa.

If you or someone you know has been affected by child sexual abuse and would like more information about the RSafe® program, contact LFS at (402) 595-1338.

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