Prevention of Child Abuse is part of the mission of the National Exchange Club and is a core value of all Exchange Clubs. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and 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. Every child is entitled to be loved, cared for, nurtured and to feel secure. The welfare and development of every child is the responsibility of the community and every adult with whom he or she comes in contact.
Community action is needed to help families find the resources and support they need to raise safe, healthy and productive children. The Naperville Exchange Club through Project Help is a wonderful resource for parents who are looking for guidance in raising their family.
I heard a speaker the other day state that children aren’t born with handbooks. Raising a family is a learning process and one that is filled with joy and sorrow.
Please take a moment to honor your family and enjoy your children not only in April, but all year long.
For more information about Project H.E.L.P., visit www.projecthelpdupage.org.
