Courtesy of the Green River Area Development District 

The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) held its annual STAND Against Child Abuse event on Friday, April 11, 2025. This free community gathering took place in Owensboro and aims to raise awareness about child abuse prevention as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, observed annually in April.

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Sponsored by GRADD’s Community Collaboration for Children (CCC) Regional Network and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department for Community-Based Services (DCBS), the STAND event brings together dozens of community partners dedicated to the safety and well-being of children and families.

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"The STAND is a great event for the whole family," said Maria Shyver, GRADD’s Community Collaboration for Children Program Administrator. "Everyone has a fun time while also getting resources about preventing child abuse and neglect. We are grateful to our community partners who help make the STAND possible by bringing information and fun activities."

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The event combines critical education and resource-sharing with enjoyable family activities. Highlights include a bouncy house, petting zoo, face painting, food, and giveaways, creating an inviting atmosphere for families to learn and engage with important topics.

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Generous donations from local organizations such as Five Star Food Services, Independence Bank, Specialty Foods Group, Sunrise Children Services, and Owensboro Health helped make the event successful.

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Earlier in the week, on April 9, the Daviess County Fiscal Court officially proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month during a ceremony on the front lawn of Kentucky Wesleyan College. Following the proclamation reading, students from Owensboro Innovation Academy planted pinwheels along Frederica Street, symbolizing their support and commitment to child abuse prevention efforts.