April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This distinction was first declared in 1983 by presidential proclamation. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse.
Child abuse and neglect respects no racial, religious class or geographic boundaries, and, in fact, has been declared a national emergency. Child abuse and neglect is a complex and growing problem in our nation. The Naperville Exchange Club and the Naperville Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, d/b/a Project H.E.L.P., through its support of parent mentor programs, educational programs and community service activities, continually strives to prevent child maltreatment by reducing the risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect.
Did you know?
- A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds in the U.S.
- More than five children die as a result of abuse daily.
- In 2010, 81.2 percent of child abuse victims were maltreated by their parents.
- In 2011 there were 3,341 reported cases of child abuse or neglect in DuPage County.
These facts are why prevention programs like Project HELP are so important.
Run for Project HELP in The Human Race April 26
For the second year, Project HELP is participating in The Human Race, a 5-K Run/Walk to celebrate and support our community’s non-profit organizations and help raise awareness and funds. The Human Race includes a timed 5-K run and a Fitness Walk.
It will be held beginning at 9AM on Sat., April 26, at 1901 Butterfield Road in the heart of the Esplanade at Locust Point in Downers Grove.
To sign up or make a donation go to www.active.com/donate/dupagehumanrace2014/projecthelp2014.
Editor’s Note: Project HELP as well as other parenting, enrichment and counseling programs that help prevent child abuse and domestic violence benefit from grants funded by the Exchange Club’s annual Ribfest, a community fundraiser held in conjunction with Independence Day every summer. 2014 Ribfest will be July 3-6 in Knoch Park.
Find more about the Exchange Club of Naperville here.
