April is an important time to us at One Family Illinois: it’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It was first declared in 1983 by presidential proclamation. Since 1983, April has become a time to promote prevention and awareness.
Running for Prevention
Our participation in the Chicago Quarter Marathon on March 26, 2016, in support of Prevent Child Abuse America, marked the official start to our prevention and awareness activities. Prevent Child Abuse America’s mission is to “prevent the abuse and neglect of all children in the United States.” The organization began the Pinwheels for Prevention movement in 2008, introducing the pinwheel as a new national symbol for child abuse prevention.
By its very nature, the pinwheel connotes whimsy and childlike notions. In essence, it has come to serve as the physical embodiment, or reminder, of the great childhoods we want for all children.
For our staff, participating in the Quarter Marathon is a way to support the One Family Illinois mission — and is a reflection of the passion and commitment to their daily work.
The Quarter Marathon is a meaningful race because of the fact that it benefits child abuse prevention, which is my passion. Every step I took during the race reinforced my passion for the prevention of child abuse.
– Veronica Smith, Program Manager, Casa Tepeyac
The strength and resilience the children at One Family Illinois show on a daily basis, in all aspects of their life, is an inspiration to us all. I am honored to walk and run in their honor, to show that there are people who care about them, and to work to make things better for future generations.
-Katie Reilly, Quality Improvement and Training Manager
How You Can Help
One Family Illinois will be participating throughout the month of April in spreading awareness and promoting the well-being and safety of all children. You can get involved by: planting a pinwheel garden; wearing a blue ribbon; joining us for Wear Blue Day on April 8; and staying tuned to our blog and on social media to help spread the word. We also encourage you to consult these great resources throughout the month.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month