(Joplin, MO) — Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri is partnering with other organizations throughout the Joplin area to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month. Held every April, the national awareness event encourages people to help positive childhood experiences take root.
“Each year, in April, we shine a light on building awareness in the communities we serve. It is essential to educate adults about their responsibility to protect our kids proactively. We also equip children by teaching body safety and empowering them to use their voices. Awareness is one of the most effective tools to help prevent child abuse,” said Desireè Breidenstein, Community Outreach Coordinator.
Children’s Center and area partners are displaying pinwheel gardens to show their commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect. The blue pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse prevention, representing the healthy, happy childhood all children deserve, but may not experience.
“While the pinwheel creates a memorable and compelling image, it is the story behind the pinwheel that makes the biggest mark,” said Breidenstein. “Pinwheels plant a seed of hope for a better tomorrow for all children and families. We ask that everyone join us to cultivate the relationships, connections, and places that help every child thrive. Your participation in this month’s activities sends a signal that we are united as advocates working toward a common goal of supporting families and children.”
- Joplin Police Department Pinwheel Garden Ceremony: Monday, April 4 at 10:30am, Joplin Police Department, 303 E. 3rd St, Joplin
- GO BLUE Day: Friday, April 15, everyone can show their support for child abuse prevention by wearing blue. Use #ccswmoBLUE and #haveyouseenthelight to share!
- 2022 GO BlUE Wellness Walk: Friday, April 15 join the community for a 1.1 mile Go Blue Wellness Walk at Mercy Park starting at 1:00 pm.
- Third Thursday: April 21st, Third Thursday. Sponsored by Children’s Center, The Alliance of SWMO, Rapha Hope & Healing Center, and Children’s Divisions of Jasper and Newton Counties, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Main Street – Downtown Joplin. Visit to support Downtown Joplin and child abuse awareness.
Everyone can help create positive experiences that make a big difference in the lives of children and families.
Reference, press only:
Desiree Breidenstein, Community Outreach Coordinator
Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri
417.623.2292
Dbreidenstein@childrens-center.org
About Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri:
The Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri exists because child abuse exists and impacts children and families in our community. The Center’s purpose is to assist in the investigation and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Children’s Center also educates children and adults to recognize, report, and prevent child sexual abuse.
In 2020, Children’s Center served 1,000 children who experienced one or many forms of abuse: physical, sexual, emotional, or neglect. Since opening the doors in 1997, the Center has served over 19,000 children in Southwest Missouri.
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