On this last Friday of March, a rally in downtown Johnstown will serve as the kickoff to an April dedicated to child abuse prevention. While green is the color we often associate with spring, blue is the defining color of this cause.
The blue ribbon campaign to prevent child abuse has grown as this national problem is clear. An estimated 3.4 million referrals of child abuse and neglect are reported each year. Our town's Circle of Support Child Advocacy Center is leading a charge to make a difference. Before achieving prevention, it is important to gain attention.
I am unable to go to the rally today, but I wanted to share upcoming events related to Child Abuse Prevention Month. There are many ways to show support. Let this serve as the attention grabber and together, as a community, the idea of making a difference can be discovered.
On April 3rd, Beginnings , Inc is housing an informational session on the Front Porch Project. The project is a "community based primary prevention initiative based on the belief that everyone can - and should - become more aware of how to help protect children and support families in their own communities." The Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance partners with local organizations to spread this initiative. In addition to Beginnings evening session ( 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.) on the 3rd, there is an afternoon presentation (1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.) in the Central Park Complex auditorium. For registration information for either time slot, contact Beginnings.
On April 8th, a family fun event is being held at the Galleria Mall from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. On April 13th, the Child Advocacy Center and local schools are teaming up for a prevention walk. The walk will begin at 12:45 P.M. and take off from Greater Johnstown High School. Walkers of all ages and speeds are invited to attend. On April 20th, there is a Stand Up Against Child Abuse dinner at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, starting at 5:00 P.M. On April 25th, Flood City Cafe will host the Take Back the Night event with doors opening at 6:00 P.M.
These range of events center on one thing - let's help kids. Whatever you do or wherever you go, you are encouraged to wear blue in support.
One color. One community.
Be a part of this April's Child Abuse Prevention.
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