PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Debra Harris Bowyer, Coordinator (W): 304-697-0255 (C): 304-638-1984
Media Release: Pinwheel Gardens in Cabell County represent good beginnings for children
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time normally devoted to raising awareness of threats to child well-being in our nation and communities. West Virginia’s strong network of early care and education providers and advocates uses this month to promote how we can work together to ensure that children are born healthy and raised in stable and nurturing environments. “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign kicks off on Friday, April 10th – Wear Blue Day for Child Abuse Prevention. The public is invited to wear blue, the symbolic color for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
According to Debra Harris Bowyer, Coordinator of the Cabell County Family Resource Network/Partners in Prevention, pinwheels are the national symbol for the prevention of child abuse and neglect and reflect the bright future all children deserve. “The planting of “Pinwheel Gardens” across WV celebrates community partnerships for strengthening the family and promoting the idea that when all children have the great childhoods they deserve, the citizens of WV will have the prosperous future they desire. We can achieve this when the public plays an active role in the lives of children and their families and there is no better time to remind people of this than during April,” she said.
The Kickoff will begin on April 10th, in conjunction with Wear Blue Day for Child Abuse Prevention, with preschool classes from Playmates Preschools & Child Development Centers planting the first “Pinwheel Garden”. The Playmates Huntington site will plant pinwheels at the Huntington Mall main entrance at 10 a.m. and the Playmates Westmoreland site will be planting pinwheels at Cabell County Department of Health and Human Resources main entrance at noon. In addition to “Pinwheel Gardens” at United Way of the River Cities and River Valley Child Development locations, there are multiple opportunities to view the “Pinwheel Gardens” over the next few weeks, with Mayoral Proclamations being done in Huntington, Barboursville and Milton in support of the children.
• April 15th at 10 a.m. – Monroe Head Start preschool classes will be planting a “Pinwheel Garden” at their center on 1100 Monroe Avenue. Mayor Steve Williams will be joining them.
• April 17th at 10 a.m. – Ebenezer Learning Center will be planting a “Pinwheel Garden” at Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau at Heritage Station. That afternoon at 3:30 p.m., they will be partnering with J.W. Scott Community Center and planting a pinwheel garden there and at their center.
• April 20th at 10 a.m. – Busy Bees Preschool will be planting a “Pinwheel Garden” at the Village of Barboursville City Hall. Mayor Paul Turman will be joining them.
• April 22nd – Milton Head Start preschool will be planting a “Pinwheel Garden in Milton. Time and details TBA.
• April 25th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – There will be a final “Pinwheel Garden” sighting during the YMCA Healthy Kids Day event at the Phil Cline Center, 917 9th Street.
In addition to “Pinwheel Garden” photos, resources and tips to support parents will be shared throughout the month on the Cabell County Family Resource Network’s Facebook page. Also, early childhood program staff will be able to get information while attending the Huntington Area Early Childhood Conference April 23 and 24 at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
With its long tradition of caring collaboration, Cabell County has distinguished itself as a West Virginia “planting ground” for innovative, evidence-based prevention strategies by various partnerships. Along with all the “Pinwheel Garden” locations, our partners in this campaign include: Cabell County Department of Health and Human Resources, Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area, Inc., Head Start, the Huntington Area Early Childhood Conference, Necco, River Valley Child Development Services, TEAM for West Virginia Children, United Way of the River Cities Success By 6® and numerous child care and education programs throughout our community. Community partnerships like these work tirelessly to promote quality early childhood experiences and help parents give their children a good beginning that lasts a lifetime.
For more information, contact the Cabell County Family Resource Network at 304-697-0255 or visit www.cabellfrn.org.
###