ABOVE: Members of Child Abuse Prevention Coalition of Vermilion County pose with State Rep Brandun Schweizer and State Senator Paul Faraci after the reading of a proclamation at Danville Public Library.
With April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a “Pinwheels of Possibilities” event for this year’s theme took place during the Wednesday (April 1) noon hour at Danville Public Library. State Rep Brandun Schweizer read a statement about child abuse prevention not starting in the courtroom; but in all the places of root like homes, schools, churches, child organizations and sports teams; and more that anything, having the whole community on the same “prevention team.”
AUDIO: To be on the lookout for the signs, and for kids that are struggling with this in their homes. It’s very important to catch it early, so we can be able to remedy the issue. If you see a kid that is showing signs of abuse; to be able to recognize that, and be able to get the kid the help that they need, the intervention they need, to be raised in a safe environment.
(1st Picture) State Rep Schweizer and State Senator Faraci pose with Central Region Coordinator for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Illinois Abby Behrens, as she holds the proclamation read by Faraci. (2nd & 3rd Pictures) “Pinwheels of Possibilities” planting takes place outside the library.
State Senator Paul Faraci, who read the proclamation for this special month, said he’s very confident in the efforts he sees in Vermilion County.
AUDIO: I think what really needs to be stressed, for me, is the impact that this community has in moving the needle forward, right? The community, in Vermilion and Danville, is by far the best when it comes to making sure there’s support for those who need it. And I’m just so proud to just be here today and be a part of it.
(1st Picture) Karel Volpert from Fair Hope Children’s Ministry addresses the audience. (3rd Picture) Abby Behrens states the objectives of this important month.
Karel Volpert, from the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition of Vermilion County and Fair Hope Children’s ministry, emphasized that you aim for prevention by focusing on both entire families and children.
AUDIO: If there are needs, (we need to see) that those needs are being met. Whether they are for food, or for clothing, or for any kind of support that they need. Because it starts with the families; making sure that every child is safe. And then, we’re also as a community responsible for the children; to make those “pinwheels of possibilities” spin for the children.
Central Region Coordinator for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Illinois Abby Behrens says the hope represented by those pinwheels can be achieved by the public educating itself.
AUDIO: Get online. Try and find some trainings. Read some articles on child abuse prevention. Learn the signs of all the different abuses that happen. And yes, each time you see a pinwheel, just remember that we want children to thrive, like these pinwheels are, in the correct environment.
Google “Child Abuse Prevention Coalition of Vermilion County” for organizations and phone numbers that you can contact if you see something that needs reported.
