Mercy Child Advocacy Center Joins in Observing National Child Abuse Prevention Month









February 27, 2017

Mercy Child Advocacy Center Joins in Observing National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Contact:
Dianne Krier, Public Relations Coordinator
(712) 279-5682


Mercy Child Advocacy Center Joins in Observing
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
 
Sioux City, IAMercy Child Advocacy Center is celebrating Child Abuse Prevention Month this April with several activities including Blue Out Day on Friday, April 7th.  Everyone in our community is encouraged to wear blue that day as a show of support for children and families in our community that have experienced abuse. 
 
Hundreds of communities across the nation participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month to spread the message that child abuse is preventable and to encourage community members to get involved by ensuring family support systems are in place in our communities. By providing services and resources to caregivers, Mercy Child Advocacy Center is dedicated to making the Siouxland area a place where children grow up safe, nurtured and able to reach their full potential.
 
“Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time for communities to recognize the role they play in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families,” said Barb Small, Manager of the Mercy Child Advocacy Center. “Creating a strong foundation in the early years of a child’s life leads to better outcomes in health, learning and productivity throughout a lifetime. By working with caregivers to prevent child abuse, we’re building a stronger community for the future.”
 
Besides wearing blue on April 7th, Mercy Child Advocacy Center invites community members to look for the pinwheel symbol in local businesses and schools and around our community.  The pinwheel is a symbol of hope for a brighter tomorrow and the joy and carefree childhood that every child should have.  Take the extra time this month to be a nurturing parent, help a friend or relative by offering to babysit, or get involved with a local agency that works with children and families. 
 
"Every effort, however small, makes an impact in our community.  If we all take the time to do one small thing to help another, we could make a huge difference." said Barb Small.  "Although we recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, it is important for us to continue to support children and families in our community throughout the year."
 
About Mercy Child Advocacy Center:
 
Mercy Child Advocacy Center was founded in 1989 and has served over 14,000 children since then.  Its mission is to provide comprehensive and caring services to all victims of child abuse by helping to create a safe environment for Siouxland's children.  The Child Advocacy Center provides education for the prevention of child abuse to assist in breaking the cycle and helps to bring offenders to justice in collaboration with social services, law enforcement and prosecution