April 1st generally marks a day of fun. Practical jokes and good humor usually abound. A lot of people also see April 1st as a start to an important month of awareness. A group of these incredibly caring organizations met again, as they have many years before, to set up a reminder for us all. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and a somber symbol of need rests in front of the Mineral Wells Chamber building.
Dozens of pinwheels were planted to represent the children who have suffered and are in foster care. The many, many pinwheels make for quite the sight when traveling through town. Their numbers standing for just the children in the Palo Pinto area alone. All of them spinning quietly in front of a sign and a couple of large blue ribbons. Urging those who see them to stand against child abuse and reminding us further, that it shouldn’t hurt to be a child.
Some of the various organizations that are helping to spread the word are CASA, the Children’s Alliance Center, the Child Welfare Board, and OCOK. These branches, working together, are familiar with everything from pick up to placement and care. Everyone was very candid about their goal. Awareness. They hope the attention they bring over the month will at least encourage people to speak up about what they see. As much child abuse takes place with notice, but little action. The various call lines and websites offer anonymity to the people who report, and they emphasized that one doesn’t need to be an expert to care.
There are plans for a Blue Day where everyone can wear blue to help bring eyes to the cause, and groups like the Children’s Alliance Center treated local Police to lunch; simply to say thank you for their hard work. While all throughout the month others like the Child Welfare Board are crediting families so they can shop for things they need. The conversation toward the end centered around how it takes a village to provide for children. That a community can be there to lend what we can, so that no child will be subjected to abuse or neglect. If there is cause for concern, then please, reach out. May fortune find these families whole, lets wish them all the best.
Past Writer | I consider myself to be pretty simple. I love a good conversation and talking about how we can all come together. Mineral Wells is my home and I love watching it grow.
