April is National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, and all across the nation, communities are coming together to raise awareness about child abuse in their hometowns. Below are all the ways YOU can raise awareness right here in Washington County. Together we can provide hope, help, and healing for our children.
Pinwheels for Prevention – All Month Long
This nationally recognized event acknowledges the importance of communities working together to prevent child physical and sexual abuse. Banners and signs are placed outside of businesses and homes all across America during April. Pinwheels are placed alongside the banners to remind us of the nostalgic childhoods that most of us had. And to also remind us of the childhoods that many do not wish to remember.
You can do your part by purchasing one of these signs or banners and place it outside your home or business along with sparkly pinwheels. 1836Ink has graciously agreed to donate a portion of the sales of these signs back to the Children’s Safety Center. You can purchase directly from their website: http://shop.1836ink.co/csc/
Color and display your own pinwheel with our coloring sheet
Wear Blue Day – Friday, April 2nd
Blue is the national color for child abuse awareness. Pledge to Wear Blue on April 2nd to show your commitment to keeping kids safe!
There are many ways to participate:
- Wear your own BLUE or purchase CSC collection here: https://childrenssafetycenter.itemorder.com/sale
- Have the entire office wear BLUE and take an in-office or Zoom selfie
- Promote BLUE items or products
- Decorate your room or office in BLUE
- Take a selfie and share your BLUE on your social media platforms
- Tag Instagram @cscwashco and Facebook @childrenssafetycenter and we will share too!
- Use #weARblue #RestoringDreams #ShineHope
NWA Gives Day – Thursday, April 8th
A local day of online giving in NWA
- We have a $10,000 challenge match generously provided by Laurice A. Hachem and daughter Mechelle A. Meredith-Ehardt! So $20 becomes $40, $100 becomes $200, and so on
- Save the date and donate here on April 8th: https://www.childrenssafetycenter.org/make-a-donation/
CSC Board Member Erin R. Moody and husband Josh showing their support in 2020
Prevention Training – Tuesday, April 13th – Zoom
– Overview of Children’s Safety Center and services provided
– Dynamics surrounding the reality of child abuse
– Signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse
– Empower Me! Core Messages (body safety curriculum)
– Internet Safety
– Do’s and Don’ts if a child discloses abuse
– Learning how to prevent maltreatment and protect our children
*When Parents and children are equipped with tools, child abuse really is preventable!
Shop Small, Help Kids – local shopping event Saturday, April 17th
Go shopping! Participating retailers are offering various promotions when you shop with them, all benefiting the Children’s Safety Center. Be sure to follow us on social media so you don’t miss out on all the deals & promotions around town and online. A Big THANK YOU to the Scout Guide NWA for helping us plan and promote this event.
Blue Sunday – April 25th
The power of prayer is a resource you can provide as a faith-based community. Prayer brings hope and faith, and as a result strength to these victims.
On April 25th please pray specifically:
- That the children are brave enough to tell someone
- That the children remain strong and hopeful through their journey
- That the children will be rescued
- That the children are placed with caring people
- That their bodies and minds will be healed
- That they may find new trust, new hope, and new peace
- For their rescuers and heroes
To receive the Blue Sunday informational packet, please email peyton@childrenssafetycenter.org
Ongoing needs: visit our website for other ways to donate or get involved with the CSC
https://www.childrenssafetycenter.org/giving/
If you or your group would like a tour of the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County or for more information, please contact development director Emily Rappe’ Fisher, emily@childrenssafetycenter.org
