Above / Beginning March 31, 2023, the sign and the giant pinwheel at the corner of Aurora Avenue and River Road will be up as a reminder that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. (PN Photo)
In a collaborative initiative to bring attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Exchange Club of Naperville, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, the Naperville Jr. Woman’s Club Juniorettes and Bikers Against Child Abuse are joining together again this year to build a “Pinwheel Garden” at Safety Town.
“Pinwheels are the symbol of a happy, healthy, and safe childhood and are a reminder that we all play a role in children’s lives,” said Dawn Portner, representing Exchange Club.
The pinwheel 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 2022, IL DCFS received 216,644 hotline calls, over 16,000 more calls than in 2021. Evidence shows early experiences impact every child 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.
“We all have an effect on the lives of children,” added Portner. “Pinwheels are a reminder that we all play a role in children’s lives.”
Collaborating organizations aim to prevent child abuse
Exchange Club of Naperville: Chartered in 1987, the Exchange Club of Naperville is dedicated to the elimination of child abuse and domestic violence, through Community Service, Americanism and Youth programs. For more info, visit www.exchangeclub.org.
Prevent Child Abuse Illinois: The mission of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois is to prevent child abuse by providing statewide leadership through education, support for community initiatives, and advocacy. For more info, visit www.preventchildabuseillinois.org
Naperville Jr. Woman’s Club: Since its inception in 1967, the Naperville Junior Woman’s Club has provided tens of thousands of hours of volunteer support to hundreds of organizations. From their fundraising efforts, they have donated an estimated one million dollars to local, state and national organizations in need. The Juniorettes are teen volunteers sponsored by the Naperville Jr. Woman’s Club. For more info,, visit www.napervillejuniors.org.
Bikers Against Child Abuse: Bikers Against Child Abuse exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. For more info, visit www.bacaworld.org.
