Green River area community STANDs up for children

In late April, the Green River Area community came together with one goal in mind, to STAND for those who cannot stand for themselves.

"STAND Up 4 Children" is an annual event put on by the Community Collaboration for Children (CCC) Network. The event is always free to community and aims to raise awareness about child abuse and prevention. GRADD's CCC Program Administrator Maria Shyver organizes the event to bring together different parts of community with one goal, protecting our children.

"The STAND is a great event for the whole family," says GRADD CCC Program Administrator Maria Shyver. "Everyone has a fun time while also getting resources about preventing child abuse and neglect."

The event was held in downtown Owensboro and was truly an experience for the whole family. There was a bouncy house, petting zoo, face painting, food, and giveaways.

Community partners coming together is what makes the event a success year after year. The event is sponsored by GRADD's CCC Regional Network and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Department for Community-Based Services. It is held in conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month. Donations are provided by Five Star Food Services, Independence Bank, Specialty Foods Group, Sunrise Children Services, and Owensboro Health.

"We are grateful to our community partners who help make the STAND possible by bringing information and fun activities."

Child Abuse Prevention Month is kicked off by a display of support at one of the county's most important buildings, the Daviess County Courthouse. With the help of Daviess County Court Judge Jennifer Hendricks, April was officially proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Daviess County. The statements of support did not stop there, local leaders along with students from Owensboro Innovation Academy placed blue pinwheels through the courthouse grounds. The pinwheels are a nationally recognized symbol of child abuse prevention, representing a vision for a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to success in supportive families and communities. It also serves as a visual reminder of the shared responsibility to keep children safe.

"The Proclamation and the Pinwheel planting is a great way for the community to come together for one purpose, to recognize that child abuse is a real concern and we stand up and fight for the children," says Shyver.

To anonymously report suspected abuse or neglect, individuals are urged to contact the Kentucky Child Protection Hotline at 1-877-597-2331 or reach out to their local law enforcement agency.