Update / April 3, 2021 / Watch the pinwheels spin along Aurora Avenue at River Road for the delight and good health of all children. Organizers of the “Pinwheel Garden” say the uplifting symbol represents hope, safety, health, and, most importantly, happiness for all children.
Original Post, March 30, 2021 / April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. To heighten awareness, the Exchange Club of Naperville, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois and the Naperville Junior Woman’s Club Juniorettes are joining together to build a “Pinwheel Garden” at Safety Town, located on the corner of River Road and Aurora Avenue, beginning April 4. The Pinwheel Garden and will stay in place until the end of April.
The pinwheel is an uplifting symbol chosen to represent hope, safety, health, and most importantly, happiness for all children. The symbol has been used by Prevent Child Abuse America since 2008 to draw attention to the issue of child abuse and the solution of effective prevention.
In 2020, IL DCFS received 249,260 hotline calls. Evidence shows that children’s early experiences impact them throughout life – positively and negatively. Kids raised in safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments are more likely to enjoy good physical and mental health and succeed academically and socially. Children who grow up happy and healthy also go on to contribute to economic prosperity for everyone. Child abuse and neglect prevention is possible. Everyone has an effect on the lives of children. Pinwheels are a reminder.
For more info, visit www.preventchildabuseillinois.org.
Summer programs are planned at A. George and Patricia Pradel Safety Town
Safety Town is located on the campus of the Naperville Public Safety Center.
For information about summer programs with registration now in progress, visit www.napersafetytown.com/.
Editor’s Note / This latest addition at the site of Safety Town shines some light on the need to be aware of domestic and child abuse that have been heightened during the isolation and loss of jobs created by lockdown policies and in-person school closures during the pandemic. Child abuse cases likely have gone unreported since schools are where teachers commonly observe and report abuse, numerous reports say.
A recent 30-minute program presented by KidsMatter, “Family Communication through COVID-19 and Stressful Times” provides helpful tips for all ages. The free-to-watch webinar produced in March 2021 is featured with others hosted by KidsMatter that examine current impact of stress on children and families.
Mindful that many schools have been closed and are about to reopen in-person learning after spring break, residents are hopeful for safe and responsible policies that prevent abuse and neglect to anyone in the community.
Since 2001, KidsMatter has worked collaboratively with organizations and resources throughout the community, including mental health professionals, schools, public safety agencies, faith-based communities and local businesses. KidsMatter support and services reach roughly 45,000 youth throughout Will and DuPage counties, focusing on the overall social, emotional and academic well-being of youth. Programs and events aim to empower youth and families with the tools to effectively manage the negative stressors of everyday life—and especially now during uncertain times.
Click here for KidsMatter past events featured on PN’s Website… Next up, the KidsMatter Job Fair is slated for 10AM to 1PM Sat., May 8, 2021, at Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive. Local protocols and social distancing will be followed.
Post Updated, April 4, 2021
