Every spring, Saint Francis Ministries turns blue. You’ll see the color in full bloom, painting our office spaces and grounds in azure signage and pinwheels – all to raise awareness about Child Abuse Prevention.
Designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983, April is the time when child welfare organizations and other advocates raise awareness and inspire collective action so that our country’s children can lead their best lives. Part of that effort involves “planting” pinwheels.
Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign in 2008 to draw attention to child abuse. Their research indicated that people respond positively to pinwheels, “which represent childlike whimsy and lightheartedness and our vision for a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities.”
Child abuse prevention is deeply related to the mission and ministry of SFM, so it’s important that we do our part in raising awareness on behalf of the children and teens we serve. That’s why you’ll see blue pinwheels popping up at our offices in Salina and Wichita, Kansas, and at Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas.
We also encourage our staff to wear blue on Fridays during April in solidarity.
You can participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month by doing the same. You can learn more about child abuse prevention by visiting the Child Welfare Information Gateway Prevent Child Abuse America also has great information. Their theme this year is: “Every day, we help positive childhood experiences take root!”
You can also explore SFM’s website to learn about all the programs and services we provide to strengthen families and keep kids safe.
