Big thanks to CauseWorld.

We not only want to thank CauseWorld for the recent shout-out on their blog, but for their ongoing support, it is much appreciated and we hope you will pay them a visit.

Jacksonville, Florida named 1st Pinwheel City USA by Prevent Child Abuse America.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, Illinois, April 23, 2010 – Prevent Child Abuse America has announced that Jacksonville, Florida has been chosen as the first Pinwheel City USA. This Pinwheel City USA designation is intended to further advance Prevent Child Abuse America’s Pinwheels for Prevention national campaign which encourages policies and practices that promote healthy child development and child abuse and neglect prevention nationwide. It also recognizes that for our nation to think about child abuse and neglect prevention in a new way, communities and neighborhoods of all sizes across the nation must re-think how each adult can play a role in helping children have the best possible start in life.

“When we launched this effort, we wanted to identify cities that not only talk the talk when it comes to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, but also walk the walk,” said Jim Hmurovich, President & CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. “It quickly became clear to us that there was no better place to start than Jacksonville, Florida.”

Jacksonville was a relatively easy choice that was unanimously approved by the National Board of Directors of Prevent Child Abuse America. Jacksonville has a multi-disciplinary team focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect that has developed a community plan for prevention that will be implemented between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2015. Jacksonville also has a strong partnership with the Florida chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, Prevent Child Abuse Florida which is housed at the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, and implements Pinwheels for Prevention, Circle of Parents and Healthy Families Florida. In addition, Jacksonville was a partner in Prevent Child Abuse Florida’s development of the statewide safe sleep campaign.

“Jacksonville is the type of city in which most people would want to live. The community values children and sees the importance of preventing abuse and neglect from occurring in the first place,” continued Hmurovich.

“The Florida Department of Children and Families works with community partners in Jacksonville and across the state to prevent child abuse and neglect by helping families,” said George Sheldon, Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. “DCF’s many local partners, including our community-based care agencies and others, are experts in connecting families with the resources they need. By acknowledging parents’ strengths and helping families overcome obstacles to healthy child development, we are building a strong foundation for future academic success, economic productivity and responsible citizenship.”

The Pinwheel City celebration will take place Saturday, April 24^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hemming Plaza in downtown Jacksonville. Nearly a dozen non-profit agencies that provide prevention services to local children will participate and more than 200 families are expected to attend. The free family celebration will feature fun activities for children including face painting, bounce houses, clowns and more. The event is free and open to the public.

“The event was originally intended to officially commemorate child abuse prevention month, and we’re excited to have another reason to celebrate,” said Jim Adams, CEO of Family Support Services. “All of the agencies that are participating work tirelessly for our children every day. As we launch phase two of our foster care redesign initiative, we will continue to think of new ways to ensure that all local children, especially those who are most vulnerable, are given the best possible care.”

“We’re proud of this significant national recognition for Jacksonville,” said Nancy Dreicer, Northeast Region Director for the Florida Department of Children and Families. “It is well deserved, since our innovative Foster Care Redesign program has earned national acclaim for reducing the number of children in foster care by more than 62 percent in three and a half years. We’re providing more services to prevent future abuse and keep children safe in their own homes with their own families. This recognition is coming at an excellent time, as we launch Phase Two of our Foster Care Redesign in conjunction with our community-based care partner, Family Support Services of North Florida,” said Dreicer.

Mr. Hmurovich will be on hand and accepting the award on behalf of the city will be Jacksonville City Council Vice President Jack Webb.

“As the Florida chapter of PCA America, the Ounce of Prevention Fund is both honored and proud to be a part of this important occasion. I am impressed, but not the least bit surprised that my home town of Jacksonville will be the first to achieve this significant designation. This beautiful city on the St. Johns is often recognized for embracing innovation and prioritizing issues that impact residents’ quality of life,” said Douglas Sessions, Jr., President and CEO of the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida.

Big thanks to Adam Robe and the Robbie Rabbit book series for supporting Prevent Child Abuse America.

We want to thank Adam Robe for donating the proceeds from the sale of any Robbie Rabbit books or Robbie Rabbit readers to Prevent Child Abuse America during the month of April. We hope you will take a look and join us in our efforts to thank Adam for his generosity. Also, please note that the books must be purchased from the website to qualify.

The One Percent to Prevent Challenge continues.

We are off to a great start with our One Percent to Prevent Challenge. We want to show what can happen when one percent of us act to make a difference for children and families throughout our country. With just a $10 donation, you can truly make a difference in preventing child abuse.

Why now? Congress just passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will expand high-quality, voluntary, home visitation services, such as our program to prevent child abuse, Healthy Families America. Building off this momentum, it’s important that these programs are well-funded and supported by the community. That’s where you come in. Show your support for these programs with a small donation to this cause.

Let’s show what one percent can do!

Chicagoans Support Local Children and Families Through 13th Annual Wrigley Start Early Run & Walk.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO (April 1, 2010) – On Saturday, April 10, thousands of people from all over Chicagoland will show their support for Child Abuse Prevention Month by participating in the 13th annual Wrigley Start Early Run & Walk in Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field.

Proceeds will benefit two leading children’s charities: Prevent Child Abuse America, which focuses on community activities and public policies that prioritize prevention from the start to make sure child abuse and neglect never occur and; Voices for Illinois Children, which works with families, communities and policymakers to help the development of children in Illinois.

In addition, through a new financial partnership model that will broaden the base of beneficiaries, at least 16 other child-focused organizations through-out the Chicagoland community will also participate and benefit, making it a true community event.

“We are very proud to serve as the title sponsor for the Wrigley Start Early Run & Walk, an event that is both good for the health and wellness of the community, as well as a great benefit for these special organizations that focus on protecting children and strengthening families,” said Dushan Petrovich, president of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. “This annual event builds upon Wrigley’s commitment to Chicago and tradition of working with our communities to make a difference.”

WGN-TV's Morning Show sports anchor, Pat Tomasulo will emcee the event, which will bring more than 3,000 participants who will step out for children and families. A variety of family activities will be featured, including: an appearance from the Berenstain Bears and the Chicago Blackhawks mascot, Tommy Hawk, a one mile walk, 5K and 10K runs, and a free Kids’ Dash for children eight years of age and under.

Interested runners or walkers are encouraged to register on-line by noon April 7; walk-ins are also welcome on race day.

“Abuse does not discriminate and each of us has a role in supporting child development and preventing abuse and neglect,” said Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO Jim Hmurovich. "Participating in the Wrigley Start Early Run is an important step in the right direction, and we are thrilled that Chicagoans are committed to this cause, and are helping to raise awareness about the importance of prevention.”

Wrigley Start Early Run & Walk Event Details

WHEN:

Saturday, April 10

9:00a.m. – 5K Run

9:15a.m. – 10K Run

9:30a.m. – 1 Mile Walk

Kids Dash following the Run/Walk

WHERE:

Hutchinson Field in Grant Park (Columbus at Balbo)

DETAILS:

Register here.

Introducing the One Percent to Prevent Challenge!

Now announcing the launch of the One Percent to Prevent Challenge! The Challenge is a fundraising campaign to raise $35,199.65 this April, the equivalent of one percent of the 3,519,965 people (as of April 1, 2010) who are members of the Causes that benefit Prevent Child Abuse America.

As someone who cares about preventing child abuse, we’re asking that you become part of the one percent that takes action. Prevent Child Abuse America is building a national movement to ensure that all of our children are raised in healthy communities nationwide. These donations will fund greater public awareness about child abuse, more successes in the public policy arena and widespread support of innovative prevention solutions that enhance the lives of children and their families, such as our leading direct service program, Healthy Families America. Please donate today.

This is your chance to play a role. Be the one percent! Visit our campaign page, and be sure to share this with friends and family. Watch for more messages throughout the month. And as always, thank you for your support!