Vision Statement
Strong American families and National Exchange Club identity through the prevention of child abuse and Exchange's Programs of Service
Mission Statement
To provide resources for the National Exchange Club's Programs of Service, and its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse
The National Exchange Club Foundation (NECF) was established in 1979, when the National Exchange Club, (NEC) – an all-volunteer service organization – adopted the Prevention of Child Abuse as its national project.
Today, the National Exchange Club Foundation helps fund the work of local Exchange Clubs and Child Abuse Prevention Centers as they develop and maintain community-based child abuse prevention programs, as well as supporting Exchange's Programs of Service, which include Youth Programs, Americanism and Community Service.
The NEC Foundation has been endorsed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and was the winner of a Presidential Award from the White House Office of Private Sector Initiatives recognizing exemplary community outreach and volunteer service projects. The NECF is a charter member of The National Child Abuse Coalition and is a Partner in Prevention, along with other national child abuse prevention organizations, through affiliation with the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The NEC's National Project – The Prevention of Child Abuse
Exchange Parent Aide - While The NEC Foundation funds a variety of child abuse awareness programs, the most successful method of countering child abuse is by working directly with parents through the NEC's evidence-based signature program, the Exchange Parent Aide home visitation model. Exchange coordinates a nationwide network of 75 community-based Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers that utilize the Exchange Parent Aide program and provide support to families at-risk for abuse. To date, Exchange Club Centers have helped more than 778,400 families break the cycle of abuse, thus creating safe and stable homes for 1.8 million children. The NECF provides funding for training, accreditation, technical support, guidance in agency development and management, and other supportive services.
Public Awareness Campaigns - The NECF believes it is important to educate the public about the serious implications of child abuse and preventable causes of harm to children. Working in collaboration with the NEC Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Office, the NECF provides funds to help produce quality brochures, public service announcements and other materials so that Exchange Clubs, CAP Centers and the general public become better informed about child abuse and how it can be prevented. The Shaken Baby Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome campaigns focus on prevention. Believe in the Blue, Time-Out Teddy, Parent Cheat Sheets, KidCode and other programs provide effective tools to parents for challenging situations that can create risk for abuse.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month - The NECF and the NEC endorse the month of April each year as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The NEC CAP Office produces an annual child abuse prevention month kit which includes public awareness project ideas, public relations information, promotional materials and community involvement suggestions.
The National Exchange Club Programs of Service - Americanism, Community Service, Youth Projects
Americanism - Exchange's ongoing efforts for the promotion of Americanism focus on the education and enlightenment of our nation's youth and fellow citizens that the freedom and greatness we enjoy today were hard-won and must be cherished and protected. Some examples include: Establishment of Freedom Shrines, an impressive presentation of replica documents highlighting our nation's history, installed at public sites across the country, GiveAKidAFlagToWave, where members distribute small American Flags at parades and other civic events, Proudly We Hail, which encourages and recognizes the regular and proper display of the American Flag and One Nation Under God (ONUG) – celebrated in November to honor the precious freedom Americans have to worship as they choose.
Community Service - Exchange Clubs across the country spend countless hours and resources to improve the lives of people in the communities they serve. Clubs have been responsible for community improvements such as: providing relief efforts to victims of disasters, sponsoring cultural programs, art and industrial shows, state and county fairs, festivals, rodeos and athletic events. Clubs have also provided millions of dollars for scholarships, gifts, equipment, sponsorships and educational endeavors. Some clubs target crime and fire prevention programs while others focus on service to senior citizens. Whatever the community's need, Exchangites are there to help.
Youth Projects - Exchange believes that recognition of a well-deserving youth can have an impact on his or her entire future. The most popular recognition awards are: The Youth of the Month/Youth of the Year programs, the A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Award for students who have overcome hardships and the Young Citizenship Award. They include speech and essay contests, reading projects and more. There are Exchange Excel Clubs in high schools and Collegiate Clubs in colleges designed to provide mentoring as a means to teaching leadership and civic responsibility.
The ACE (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Award for students who have overcome adversity to graduate high school and move their lives in a positive direction. These students are often overlooked for their accomplishments, and can serve as a powerful example to all students that hard work and perseverance pays off.
The Youth of the Year Award, for high achieving students who have demonstrated leadership, high scholastic achievement and community service. This program rewards outstanding youth, and also provides an incentive for other youngsters to strive for equally high levels of achievement.
Disclaimer: The National Exchange Club Foundation is not authorized to investigate allegations of abuse or neglect, or offer legal advice. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the local police or Sheriff's Office . If you suspect child abuse, contact your local Child Protective Services Department. For crisis counseling, call ChildHelp at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.