Around the month of April, for more than ten years now, you may have seen gardens of pinwheels planted in the community, at school, day care or a local hospital or nonprofit organization, and wondered, why? It’s because planting pinwheels represents the bright childhoods we all want for children.
In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol for child abuse prevention through Pinwheels for Prevention®. The Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign provides a unique opportunity for all of us, individuals and organizations alike, to take action by learning more about prevention, supporting child and family friendly policies and services, and volunteering at the local, state, and national levels.
On April 3rd, 2023, The Kempe Center and Kempe Foundation joined Illuminate Colorado at the Capitol to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. The event included a tribute that was read on the senate floor to acknowledge this awareness month and those children and families impacted by child abuse and neglect by Colorado State Senators Rhonda Fields and Barbara Kirkmeyer. Kempe representatives, Dr. Kathi Wells and Kendall Marlowe were invited on the senate floor.
Wearing blue and holding our pinwheels proud, Kempe was able to start Child Abuse Prevention Month with a caring community. The Kempe Foundation appreciates the support from Colorado State Representatives Judy Amabile and Mary Young, and Colorado State Senators Rhonda Fields and Barbara Kirkmeyer.
After the tribute, The Child Abuse Prevention Month rally led by the Colorado Department of Human Services, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, and Illuminate Colorado has been happened on the West Steps of the Colorado State Capitol.
At the rally, esteemed speakers were able to share remarks and experiences. First, we heard opening remarks from Mekialaya White, an anchor at CBS4. Then, Illuminate Colorado Executive Director Jade Woodard spoke about how we can all band together to in collective ways to help children and families thrive. Lupita Cardoza, a parent with lived experience, shared how Sister Carmen and the Circle of Parents program provided community support when she needed it most. Mary Alice Cohen, the Deputy Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, highlighted organizations and partners that support Colorado families.
Timiya Jackson, Executive Director of the Heart & Hand Center Denver, shares how resource centers provide families with the resources and support they need to thrive. Minna Castillo Cohen, Director of the Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth, and Families, shared how the Office is evolving the child welfare system to more effectively connect families to the resources they need, as well as offer support for families who are struggling. In closing, Stacy Tracey, a Prevention Social Caseworker at Denver County’s Department of Human Services, expressed how important it is to really listen to families and to meet parents where they are.
This year, Child Abuse Prevention Month is all about involving the whole community. When parents, caregivers, family, friends, neighbors, employers and elected leaders work together to increase five critical protective factors in families’ lives that is when we can prevent child abuse, strengthen families and build brighter childhoods.
We are asking EVERYONE to get involved. Promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families.
See more about the event here.
Browse through our photo album here.