The Kenosha County Turn the Town Blue Committee is again planning a variety of events throughout April, in recognition of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
This annual campaign emphasizes the power of prevention and the importance of raising children in loving and supportive environments.
Preventing child abuse and neglect leads to better childhoods for the community’s youth, and less money spent on services to address the short- and long-term effects of abuse to children, said Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser.
“Our goal is to stop abuse before it starts,” Kreuser said. “I commend the efforts of the Turn the Town Blue Committee to do just that. Their work makes Kenosha County an even better place to raise a family.”
Founded in 2009, the committee is made up of representatives of various agencies, including the Prevention Services Network Family Resource Center, Community Impact Programs Inc., the Kenosha County Division of Health and the Kenosha County Division of Children and Family Services.
Other partners include the Kenosha Unified School District, Kenosha Achievement Center-Early Head Start, Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services Inc. and Lutheran Social Services-Stop Child Abuse and Neglect.
This year’s event highlights again include the presentations of the Strong Family Award and the Connie Reyes Award, as well as a 5K run/walk and a Wear Blue Day group photo.
Erin Morey, director of operations for Prevention Services Network, said the campaign’s activities aim to highlight the community’s commitment to children.
“All children deserve a great childhood,” Morey said. “We invite everyone to participate, in ways big or small, in events and activities that reinforce our objectives for safe kids and strong families.”
This year’s events include:
- April 5: Wear Blue Day. Join communities across the country and wear blue all day to show support of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. People are encouraged to join in a large group photo at noon in the commons area of the Kenosha County Job Center, 8600 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, or to take photos of their blue attire and upload them to the Turn the Town Blue Committee Facebook page.
- April 5: “Blue Ribbon Anthology” viewing at noon in room South 11 in the Kenosha County Job Center. This locally produced, documentary-style film portrays how community members can help prevent child abuse and neglect.
- April 10: Connie Reyes Award and County Executive Proclamation at the Kenosha County Job Center, 4 p.m. This award, named for a Kenosha County social worker who was murdered in 1990 in connection with her work, recognizes excellence in child abuse and neglect prevention.
- April 11: Cesar Chavez Family Dinner Night. Families must have a student enrolled in Head Start to attend.
- April 13: 5K Family Fun Run/Walk. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. at Kemper Center, 6501 Third Ave. The run/walk starts at 9:15 a.m. There is no registration fee. Online registrations are being accepted now at http://bit.ly/TTTB5K2019. Call Chelsea Colwill at 262-697-4689 for more information.
- April 24: Pinwheel Craft and Cookie Event at the PSN Family Resource Center in the Kenosha County Job Center, 8600 Sheridan Road, 10 a.m. to noon. Children will have the opportunity to make their own pinwheel and enjoy a cookie. Contact Chelsea at 262-697-4689 for more information.
- April 30: The Stewards of Children Darkness to Light training program from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Job Center will increase knowledge, improve attitudes and change child-protective behaviors. This program is for any responsible adult who cares about the welfare of children. Contact Chelsea at 262-697-4689 to register or for information about future trainings.
- April 30: Family Dinner and Game Night/Strong Family Award presentation from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruffolo’s Special Pizza 2, 3931 45th St. Bring the whole family for dinner and games and help recognize strong families in Kenosha with the Strong Family Award. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Contact Chelsea at 262-697-4689 or visit www.facebook.com/turnthetownblue to sign up. Strong Family Award nominations, due by April 12, may be made online at http://bit.ly/TTTBStrongFamily2019.
For more information about the Turn the Town Blue Committee, follow the “Turn the Town Blue Campaign” on Facebook or call Chelsea at 262-697-4689.