Van Zandt County proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness, Child Abuse Prevention and Fair Housing months

The Van Zandt County commissioners court unanimously approved three proclamations recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month and Fair Housing Month.

Jeremy Flowers, director of coordinated community response at the East Texas Crisis Center, told the court the center provides counseling, advocacy and emergency shelter "if needed," and that much of the organization's funding comes from community, state and federal sources. "All of our services are a good percent free and confidential," Flowers said as he described local support for survivors.

The court read and adopted a proclamation recognizing the work of statewide and local partners in promoting awareness and supporting survivors.

Jana Dean Massey, board president of the Children's Advocacy Center, said the center "served just over 479 children" in 2025 and that the organization recently reached full staffing. Massey described a local awareness campaign, "Paint Van Zandt County blue," and asked residents and county leaders to support outreach efforts.

The court also approved a routine annual proclamation declaring April Fair Housing Month, citing the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the 1988 Fair Housing Amendments. Commissioners noted that endorsing fair housing supports grant compliance and public awareness efforts.

Each proclamation was read aloud and adopted by voice vote.