Dear Friends and Supporters,
Why the blue & silver pinwheels? If you have been near our office on Parker Ave over the last few days, you may have seen lots of blue pinwheels, and wondered why. The blue and silver pinwheel are the national symbol for child abuse prevention, introduced in 2008 as the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign.
Here at the Center, we see daily that the issues of child abuse and sexual assault are deeply intertwined with the long-term mental health of our community. We use the symbols to foster an environment where survivors feel seen and children feel safe.
The trauma of abuse and assault can have profound effects on the brain and nervous system. From a clinical perspective, early intervention and trauma-informed care are essential for healing. By raising awareness, we reduce the stigma that often keeps survivors in silence.
And, we believe Prevention is Possible – through education and strong social support systems, we can protect the next generation.
The Center provides a wide range of services designed to prevent child abuse before it occurs, identify and end it when it does occur, and help the survivors lead normal lives as they recover from the abuse:
For nearly 15 years, the Center has been providing education and resources to parents and caregivers on positive parenting practices.
For over 25 years, the S.A.F.E Kids program at the Center for Family Services has been helping children and their families that have experienced child abuse in hopes of changing the cycle and promoting a healthy future.
Display a Pinwheel: Please place a blue and silver pinwheel in your yard to let our community know child abuse prevention is important to all of us (feel free to stop by our office to pick up a free pinwheel).
Wear Blue or Teal: Blue represents child abuse prevention, while teal honors sexual assault awareness. Wear blue or teal and share a post on social media to spark conversation and raise awareness!
Support the Mission: Your donations to the Center for Family Services directly fund sliding-scale therapy sessions for survivors in our community.
Please consider donating to stop the cycle of abuse. Together, we make a difference.
Sincerely,
Todd L’Herrou, CEO
tlherrou@ctrfam.org
Florida Abuse Reporting:
https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/abuse-hotline/how-report-abuse
National Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting information:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how/
Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/signs.pdf
Center for Family Services has been providing mental health services and education to children, adults and families since 1961. Our clients are some of the most vulnerable in the community due to their age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Donations are a crucial means to their mental well-being. On their behalf, thank you for your support.
