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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Institute for Child Health Policy Honors Nonprofit Executive 2011 Kate Platt Award
Nonprofit executive Lauren Book and her father Ron Book.
Nonprofit executive Lauren Book was recently honored as the 2010 Kate Platt Child Advocate of the Year recipient – an award that is sponsored by NSU’s Institute for Child Health Policy. The annual award, presented to Book at the Ft. Lauderdale Country Club, recognizes individuals whose achievements and career contributions have made a significant difference in Broward County’s maternal and child health policy. The accolade is dedicated to the memory of Kate Platt, a Broward County youth who touched many lives during her short life before dying in a car accident.
Book is a childhood sexual abuse survivor, who has dedicated her life to healing fellow survivors, aiding in crisis intervention for children and families dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse, and preventing childhood abuse of all kinds through educational programs and awareness. She has dedicated herself to her nonprofit organization Lauren’s Kids Inc., founded in 2007.
Book also lobbies for the passage of laws used to protect Florida’s most prized asset – our children, and has been a driving force to enact Child Safety Zones in Florida, which prohibits predators and offenders from being within 300 feet of any school, park, and playground or wherever children congregate.
Lauren’s Kids has a nationwide toll free number for children and families to call to receive crisis intervention and referrals to counselors in their state for help. Lauren’s Kids also has an education program called KIDSAFE USA. Lauren’s Kids ultimate goal is to open a center where children, families and survivors can come to enrich and heal.