Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Ryan McGill
While the Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center (WCCAC) works year-round to raise awareness about child abuse, April brings added visibility as it is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This year, WCCAC has planned a full calendar of community events, outreach efforts, and fundraisers designed to educate the public and support the children they serve.
“We want to raise awareness of what’s going on,” says Jade Kennedy, Lead Forensic Interviewer and Victim & Family Advocate at WCCAC. “Our county sees a high number of abuse cases, especially sexual abuse, but people often don’t realize how prevalent abuse is. They need to know the signs and symptoms. They need to be educated.”
A staple of WCCAC’s Child Abuse Prevention Month efforts, the organization’s signature pinwheel garden will soon be planted on the Center’s front lawn. The blue pinwheels serve as a visual symbol of support for children and families affected by abuse.
Other April highlights include:
- Wear Blue Day on Friday, April 4, encouraging community members to wear blue and post a photo to social media using the hashtag #GoBlue4WCCAC.
- Spirit nights and fundraisers at local favorites like Freddy’s (April 3), Johnny Brusco’s (April 7), Milo’s (April 22), and Tallulah Brewing Company, which will host “Pints for Prevention” charity bingo on April 15.
- “Shell Out for Kids” at Crawfish Warehouse on April 19, featuring live music from River Dan and all-you-can-eat crawfish and shrimp.
- Free haircuts for children on April 9 and 16, courtesy of Jasper Beauty Academy, with participation from Head Start and T-Mobile.
- A “wear blue” yoga night at Yoga Den on April 15.
- Blue Sunday, a national day of prayer for abused children, on April 27.
Several local businesses are participating in month-long promotions in partnership with the organization. SherNutrition is offering a specialty drink called “The Pinwheel,” Starbucks in Jasper is collecting toys, and Sassify Boutique is offering a 10% discount when customers mention WCCAC, honoring the 1 in 10 children who experience abuse.
Local landmarks are getting involved, too. The Walker County Courthouse, Jasper City Hall, and Walker County Board of Education have all lit their buildings blue this month as a simple but meaningful way to show support and help raise awareness.
WCCAC receives referrals from law enforcement or DHR when abuse is suspected. Children then come to the Center for forensic interviews conducted in a safe, supportive environment.
“If the child discloses something concerning, we move the case forward,” says Kennedy. “While the child is here, an advocate meets with the family. That advocate stays with them through the entire judicial process.”
The Center also provides medical and counseling referrals, court preparation, and support throughout the child’s healing process.
“The work isn’t easy. You hear the worst of the worst,” Kennedy says. “You try not to take it home, but sometimes you do. It’s emotionally heavy but incredibly important.”
One of the biggest misconceptions, Kennedy explains, is strangers typically commit that abuse. “That’s just not true. In all the forensic interviews I’ve done since I began working here, not a single one involved someone the child didn’t know.”
While community support through fundraising is appreciated, the Center emphasized that education is the most powerful form of prevention.
“Parents need to teach boundaries, know the signs, and create an open line of communication,” says Kennedy. “If a child says something feels wrong, it’s worth listening to.”
As Child Abuse Prevention Month continues, WCCAC encourages the public to wear blue, show up, and speak up year-round, not just this month.
“This work matters,” Kennedy says. “And while someone might be uncomfortable hearing about the kind of work we do here, they need to know because children’s safety depends on it.” WL
