This April, Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center has partnered with SEPTA to ‘plant’ 1,206 pinwheels at the Norristown Transportation Center in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Mission Kids’ ‘Pinwheels for Prevention’ garden was unveiled to the community at a ceremony on Monday, April 3 by SEPTA leadership, local legislators, law enforcement partners, child protective services agencies, representatives from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and other community stakeholders.
A symbol of childhood, the pinwheel represents what every child should have— the chance to experience the joy and innocence of childhood, to laugh and to play without the fear of physical or sexual abuse. The 1,206 pinwheels, which will remain on display at the Norristown Transportation Center on Dekalb Pike throughout the month of April, represent the 1,206 suspected child abuse victims that needed and received Mission Kids’ services last year.
Thank you to our generous sponsor Tammy Harrison, Associate Broker • COMPASS RE • 610-520-2500 • TammyHarrison.com • tammy.harrison@compass.com
How to Get Involved
Parents/Caregivers
- Educate yourself! Learn about the signs and indicators of abuse
- Talk to your children about body safety and use appropriate names for body parts
- Talk to your kids about consent and healthy relationships
- Strengthen community supports by helping a family in need or checking in on a neighbor
- Get involved/stay active in school organizations, youth-serving agencies, or volunteer to coach community sports teams
- Learn more about internet safety and create a “Code of Conduct” with your kids to keep them safe online
- Monitor your children’s TV, video, and internet viewing/usage
- Ask your children about their days, and be sure to listen to what they have to say
Companies/Organizations
- Organize a training for your staff to help recognize and report abuse: Learn more – Host a Training
- Share information and resources about child abuse by requesting materials such as posters and hand outs from local centers (like Mission Kids!)
- Raise money or host a third-party fundraiser for youth-serving agencies like Mission Kids: Learn more – Host a Fundraiser
- Invest in the community and become a “Partner in Prevention”: Learn more – Corporate Partnerships
