Pinwheels for Prevention raises awareness of child abuse and neglect
By Sharon Haught
April 24, 2010
504
1,293.
Thats the number of brilliant blue pinwheels that dot the lawn in front of the Kinney Building.
Each pinwheel represents the story of a child in Wayne County who was the victim of child abuse or neglect in 2007.
But each pinwheel also represents hope and the knowledge that these 1,293 children are no longer at risk.
For the past six years, the Pinwheels for Prevention committee, which is comprised of representatives from various child advocacy groups within Wayne County, has set up the display in front of the Kinney Building in an effort to draw attention to the need to prevent child abuse in the community during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The theme for this years campaign – Its Your Turn to Raise the Leaders of Tomorrow – focuses on what the community can do to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
At their April 14 meeting, the Wayne County Commissioners recognized the Pinwheels for Prevention committee for their work in raising awareness of the issue of child abuse and neglect and issued a proclamation declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Wayne County.
The proclamation was presented to Pinwheels for Prevention committee chair Michelle May, a caseworker and forensic interviewer with Wayne County Children Services and committee members Janel Usternul, of the Wayne County Juvenile Court, and Deanna Stika, executive director for the Wayne County Childrens Advocacy Center.
By issuing their proclamation, the Wayne County Commissioners joined President Barack Obama and county and state officials across the country in declaring April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Our children are our most valuable resource, and they need our support to thrive and grow into healthy, productive adults. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our unwavering commitment to protecting children and responding to child abuse, promoting healthy families, and building a brighter future for all Americans, said President Obama in his Presidential Proclamation, dated April 1. Together, we can ensure that every child grows up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect.
