Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee (PCAT) is hosting a series of statewide events for the month of April in an effort to deepen the community’s understanding of child abuse and prevention through Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“We are committed to showing that through the cloud of stark statistics, our approach relies on evidenced based preventative care,” said Kristen Rector, president/CEO of PCAT. “Through our work we have seen hundreds of families who volunteer to participate excel through our in-home program. This month will be as much about awareness as it is a celebration for those who have committed to making changes in their family.”
The month began with the eighth annual Pinwheels for Prevention Kick-Off Party, a free, family-friendly event held on Saturday, April 1 at Sevier Park. The festivities included crafts, games, bounce houses and entertainment.
In addition, in Oakridge, Tenn. (which houses another PCAT office) the second annual Pinwheel Celebration Breakfast will be hosted on April 21 by PCAT along with Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally. At the breakfast, several members of the community will be awarded for their contributions toward building strong families and great childhoods throughout East Tennessee.
The underpinning of the month will be the Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign, where beds of pinwheel gardens have emerged across the city. The blue pinwheels symbolize the overturning of obstacles into opportunities in celebration of healthy, happy, and carefree children. The gardens will be planted at a variety of locations including the Nashville Farmers’ Market, the twelfth South neighborhood, and Hillsboro Village to name a few. The pinwheel gardens will be available until the last day of the month.
The organization will also host a screening for the documentary Resilience: The Biology of Stress and The Science of Hope on at 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 2, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. The center hosted another screening of this film earlier this month.
“Change starts within communities, and we’re really hoping to bring the community together through the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign and additional events this month,” said Kristen Rector.
“By becoming educated about the issue and being a great neighbor, friend or family member, we can all make a difference.”
In addition to these events, the community is encouraged to participate in activities that allow family time together.
Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee strives to prevent the abuse and neglect of children in Tennessee and aims to see all children thriving in safe, stable, nurturing environments and communities.
The organization has been supporting parent and communities for more than 30 years by offering evidence-based program models. Program participation is always voluntary, and the offerings include in-home parent education and support, intimate partner violence prevention, social support for parents and parent support for pregnant teens. For more information, visit: .
