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APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH |
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The Bonnie Finney Story
The Blue Ribbon has been widely recognized as a
national symbol of child abuse awareness. The movement began in the
spring of 1989, when a concerned grandmother, Bonnie Finney of
Bonne’s grandson, Michael Wayne Dickenson, was a young victim and his tragic death gave her the strength to encourage others to help in the fight against child abuse and neglect. The spirit of the blue ribbon grew and it inspired a community based effort to join forces in this tragic battle. Wearing a blue ribbon pin or wristband during the month of April acknowledges that many children are victims of abuse and neglect and that prevention is the key to reducing violence in these families.
Pinwheels for Prevention
“Pinwheels for Prevention” is a month long campaign designed to enhance community awareness about child abuse and neglect, and encourage support for prevention.
Today, these pinwheels represent people who advocated for children and tomorrow, these pinwheels will represent children growing up in safe loving homes.
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Norfolk, Virginia took a stand against child abuse
after experiencing the death of her grandson. She tied a symbolic
blue ribbon to her van as a signal for the community of her personal
commitment to involve everyone in the battle to stop child abuse.
The
Pinwheels for Prevention campaign was originally created in Georgia
and has been successful there for many years. Lake County is
celebrating the 3rd year of participation.
In
2008, we planted 3,584 pinwheels at Veteran’s Park to
represent the number of calls received by Lake County Department of
Job and Family Services in 2007. In 2009, we planted 3,318
pinwheels for
2008. This year we planted 3,451 pinwheels.
