Prevent Child Abuse New York's Blog

Price Chopper Raises $37,000 to Prevent Child Abuse

This April and unusual item popped up on shoppers' grocery lists: Pinwheels for Prevention pin-ups. Price Chopper stores sold 37,005 of them, resulting in a $37,005 donation to Prevent Child Abuse New York (PCANY) and its sister chapters in surrounding states.

Fox 23 News WXXA also joined in the fight against child abuse, sponsoring the Pinwheels for Prevention pin-up campaign and running television PSAs to promote it.

Money raised in the campaign will support PCANY’s Parent Helpline, public education, and legislative advocacy programs.

Throughout the month of April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month, Price Chopper’s customers were asked if they would like to purchase a Pinwheel for Prevention pin-up. Every dollar raised goes directly to the Prevent Child Abuse state chapter where it is donated.

Pinwheels for Prevention is the signature campaign for Prevent Child Abuse America and its state chapters. The pinwheel symbolizes a person’s commitment to truly preventative measures, such as home visitation services, parent education and the overall re-prioritization of our policies, programs and resources to ensure that every child is provided with a healthy, safe and nurturing home and an involved, supportive and caring community.

Awareness Provides Real Important Lessons = APRIL

A poem by Tahitia Foggie, a child abuse survivor and single mom to five children, in honor of child abuse prevention month.

April, fourth month of the calendar year
Known to some as child abuse awareness month
Child abuse is everywhere
It needs to be acknowledged every day of the year
Child abuse, a plight
That needs to be brought more into the spotlight
With a light that can never be extinguished
Children may be small and young but they also have rights
And deserve to live a safe and protected life

Remembering the innocent children who live with this abuse everyday
Who don't know how it feels to feel safe, laugh and play
To the ones who show obvious and visible signs but get overlooked anyway
To the ones who were beaten so badly that little bodies gave way
To the hands of death that took their precious life away

We need to realize
Child abuse is that important that it has to always recognized
Taken seriously and the abuser penalized
Or it will continue to be on the rise
No more covering up truth with lies
Acting as if child abuse is not the main cause of a innocent child’s demise

This is the year 2012
Child abuse must no longer be shelved
Children do not know how to protect themselves
Against a sadistic and determined adult

The affects of child abuse on a survivor
Can and will eventually
Affect that human being emotionally and mentally
That if they don't get help can cause them to do things unintentionally
Allowing this cycle to continue from generation to generation
It is time to take a stand as a nation
And stop the abuse that is harming, endangering and killing God's most precious creation

 

Child Abuse Prevention Fundraiser - Happy Hour at Tonic East in NYC

Please plan to join the Lion Fund for Children, Inc. (LFFC) for a Happy Hour fundraiser to benefit Prevent Child Abuse New York and LFFC, this Thursday, April 19 at Tonic East (Third Avenue at 29th Street), 6:30 to 8:30.

The Lion Fund for Children, Inc. is a grassroots non-profit coalition of Penn State Alumni and Supporters devoted to preventing child abuse and supporting local community efforts to provide child abuse prevention, counseling, treatment and support services. There is no cover charge for the Tonic East fundraiser, but donations will be accepted.

Capital District Law Enforcement Set to Stand Up For Preventing Child Abuse

Schenectady County's District Attorney and Sheriff, Albany's Chief of Police, and Rensselaer County's District Attorney join other area law enforcement to unveil a new report on the child abuse-crime link, costs of abuse. Leaders support efforts to break cycle of abuse through voluntary home visiting. Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Parsons Family Resource Center, 125 Bigelow Avenue, Schenectady NY 12304.

Schenectady, N.Y. -- Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney, Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino, Albany City Police Chief Steven Krokoff and Rensselaer County District Attorney Richard McNally will headline the release of a new report being issued by law enforcement leaders and crime survivors on the extent of child abuse and neglect in New York. Fight Crime: Invest in Kids New York members are issuing the report showing that over 77,000 New York children suffered abuse or neglect in 2010—more than 200 every day. Among New York children who suffered abuse and neglect in 2010, the report says at least 114 children died. In the Capital District alone, there were 3,986 (Albany: 1,218; Rensselaer: 823; Saratoga: 802 Schenectady: 1,143) children abused or neglected.

Carney, Dagostino, Krokoff and McNally will emphasize the benefits of voluntary home visiting services, which help new parents cope with the stresses of raising a young child.  Research shows that quality home visiting programs can cut child abuse and neglect by as much as 50 percent, significantly reduce later crime and save taxpayer dollars. Carney, Dagostino, Krokoff and McNally will also voice strong support for services proven to prevent child abuse by releasing an open letter to policy makers, signed by more than 1,560 law enforcement leaders nationwide (more than 200 from New York): one for every confirmed child who died from abuse or neglect in 2010.

April 19 Prevention Fundraiser in NYC

Prevent Child Abuse is proud to be partnering with the Lion Fund for Children, which is organizing a fundraising gathering in New York City on Thursday, April 19th.  Proceeds from the event will benefit LFFC and Prevent Child Abuse New York.

The Lion Fund for Children, Inc., is a grassroots non-profit coalition of Penn State alumni and supporters devoted to preventing child abuse and supporting local community efforts to provide child abuse prevention, counseling, treatment and support services. The April 19 event will be a Happy Hour at Tonic East on Third Avenue at 29^th Street, from 6:30 to 8:30.  There is no cover charge, but donations will be accepted.

“We are very pleased to support Prevent Child Abuse,” said LFFC’s President, Bill Lalor.  “Each and every day, this outstanding organization is on the front lines in preventing child abuse, and they deserve the steadfast support of the Penn State community.”

Find more information about Lion Fund for Children at LFFC website.

Pinwheels for Prevention Events Held Around New York

They’re popping up in front yards, at community events and in front of city halls. They’re pinwheels and we’ve distributed thousands of them in preparation for Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month events.

This April, students, families, organizations and advocates around the state are coordinating Pinwheels for Prevention campaigns in their communities. Pinwheels are a happy and uplifting token of childhood. They represent the joyful, healthy and safe life that every child deserves.

Our colleagues at the Family Violence Prevention Council in Broome County have already had their CAP Month event! You can see news coverage of their Pinwheels event here.

Our Pinwheels for Prevention product line includes everything you need for your campaign. Pinwheels, lawn signs, window clings, postcards, buttons and pins can be purchased separately or in one of our Pinwheels for Prevention Toolkits, which come in various sizes to fit your campaign plans. For more information and pricing and other campaign resources, please visit the Pinwheels for Prevention section of our web site.

Price Chopper Pinwheels Pin-up Campaign to Benefit Prevent Child Abuse New York

Price Chopper Supermarkets is sponsoring a pin-up campaign to fight child abuse and neglect. Held during the month of April—Child Abuse Prevention Month—the statewide campaign is a demonstration of the fast-growing belief that we can prevent, not just intervene in, child abuse and neglect to better protect our children.

“There’s no excuse for child abuse. Price Chopper wants to relay that message, raise awareness and raise funds through our partnership with Prevent Child Abuse,” stated Stephanie VanDerwerker, Community Relations Specialist at Golub Corporation, parent company of Price Chopper Supermarkets.

“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Price Chopper will host its annual fundraising pin-up program to benefit the various Prevent Child Abuse chapters throughout our six state operating area. Customers may support the program by purchasing a $1 pin-up at any register. Last year, Price Chopper stores raised over $22,500 and our goal this year is $30,000. Hosting programs such as the Prevent Child Abuse campaign is one way that Price Chopper demonstrates that we value and support the communities in which we do business.”

Every dollar collected in New York will support Prevent Child Abuse New York’s Parent Helpline, public education, and legislative advocacy work throughout the state. As part of the campaign, Parent Helpline bookmarks will be available at Price Chopper’s customer service desks.

The campaign is co-sponsored by Fox 23 WXXA.

Conference Early Bird Deadline Extended and Other CAP Month News

I'm sure, like me, you're disturbed by what you've been seeing in the news lately. Each new day seems to bring a new horror with heartbreaking stories of children being beaten or sexually abused. The good news is that child abuse is largely preventable. Last week, the Daily News featured an op-ed from seven New York district attorneys. They called for increased funding for child abuse prevention, citing early childhood home visitation—such as Healthy Families New York and Nurse Family Partnership—as a proven model for improving outcomes for at-risk kids. We prepare for April—Child Abuse Prevention Month—deeply concerned about the grievous harm inflicted on some children, but encouraged by the fast-growing support for prevention that we see every day.

Here's more Child Abuse Prevention Month news:

Child Abuse Prevention Conference Early Registration Deadline Extended to March 16

Could you benefit from knowing the latest techniques for working with impoverished families? Wondering about recent shifts in child welfare? Need to better understand commercial sexual exploitation of children, trauma-informed care, attachment, logic models or trained optimism? These and many more topics will be discussed at Diverse Paths, Common Dreams, PCANY's 2012 statewide conference, on April 16-18 at the Marriott Hotel in Albany. We believe professional development opportunities are critically important for service providers working with kids, so we're providing an extra incentive for you to join us at the conference: We've extended the Early Registration deadline by a week. Register and pay by March 16 to receive the special early registration discount.

Pinwheels for Prevention Still Available

They're popping up in front yards, at community events and in front of City Halls. They're pinwheels and we've distributed thousands of them in preparation for Child Abuse Prevention Month events. This April, students, families, organizations and advocates around the state are coordinating Pinwheels for Prevention campaigns in their communities. Pinwheels for Prevention is a nationwide campaign, created by Prevent Child Abuse America and its state chapters. Pinwheels are a happy and uplifting token of childhood. They represent the joyful, healthy and safe childhood that every child deserves. Our Pinwheels for Prevention product line includes everything you need for your campaign. Pinwheels, lawn signs, window clings, postcards, buttons and pins can be purchased separately or in one of our Pinwheels for Prevention Toolkits, which come in various sizes to fit your campaign plans. See our online store for more information and pricing.

Price Chopper Pin-up Campaign to Benefit PCANY

I'm pleased to announce that Price Chopper supermarkets is once again sponsoring a pin-up campaign to benefit Prevent Child Abuse New York. Throughout the month of April, customers can purchase a $1 Pinwheels for Prevention pin-up at any register. Every dollar collected supports our programs. Many thanks to Price Chopper and campaign sponsor Fox 23 WXXA for joining us in the fight against child abuse.

Scared Sick Lecture and Book-signing with Robin Karr-Morse and Meredith Wiley, April 2 in Albany

Toxic: extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful. Stress: a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.

Toxic stress is a regular companion for children living in families where abuse, neglect, and dysfunction are part of everyday life.  The impact on children and on our communities is profound and far-reaching.

No one explains better than Robin Karr-Morse and Meredith Wiley how toxic stress triggers problems that have created a major public health crisis - the research, the risks, and the results. Highlighting case studies and cutting-edge scientific findings, the authors show how our innate fight-or-flight system can injure us if overworked in the early stages of life, triggering diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, and addiction later in life.

The co-authors of Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots of Violence and Scared Sick: The Role of Childhood Trauma in Adult Disease, will speak Monday, April 2, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the School of Social Welfare, University at Albany Page Hall.

Presented by Prevent Child Abuse New York and the University at Albany School of Social Welfare, the event is free and open to the public.

For more information or to register, e-mail Brittani Hanson, bhanson@preventchildabuseny.org.

You may view a video trailer about the book Scared Sick at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLF1jfWbj64

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Robin Karr-Morse is family therapist and a veteran of child welfare and public education systems in Oregon. Formerly the Director of Parent Training for the state child welfare system, she was the first executive director of the Oregon Children's Trust Fund, a consultant to Dr. T. Berry Brazelton's Touchpoints Program and a lecturer on the Brazelton Seminar Faculty. She has worked with county, state and national officials across the country to create social policies which support families in children’s earliest development. Currently, she is working with a group of colleagues to build “The Parenting Institute” to provide parents with state of the art developmental knowledge, skills and support which focuses on building emotionally competent children from conception through adolescence.

Meredith Wiley is a former prosecutor and currently state director of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids New York, a crime fighting organization of law enforcement leaders and victims of violence who work to educate policy makers and the public on what works to get kids off to a good start in life and keep them from ever becoming criminals. Meredith is a former prosecutor.  She has been appointed to the New York State Children’s Cabinet Advisory Council, the Early Childhood Advisory Council, the Governor’s Task Force to Transform Juvenile Justice and the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group, and also is on the National Board of Advisors for the Nurse Family Partnership Program and the National Board of Advisors for the Parent Child Home Program.

2012 NYS Child Abuse Prevention Conference: Call for Workshop Proposals

Prevent Child Abuse New York is pleased to announce Diverse Paths, Common Dreams, the 2012 New York State Child Abuse Prevention Conference . Our 17th annual event will be held April 16-18, 2012, at the Marriott Hotel in Albany. Plenary session speakers Include:

• Victor Bernstein, PhD., School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, It Sounds So Easy but It's So Hard To Do: Developing Effective  Working Relationships with Families Living in Difficult Circumstances
• Donna Beegle, Ed.D., Speaker, Trainer & Author, Communication Across Barriers, We CAN Make a Difference for Children and Families Living in the Crisis of Proverty
• Bryan Specht, Founder, Promised Land Society and Awful Grace Project, National Board Member, Prevent Child Abuse America, Awful Grace: Resiliency, Wisdom, and the Hope of Prevention
  

We are now accepting workshop proposals  that focus on developing the knowledge and expertise needed by practitioners in today’s complex environment. Preference is given to presentations that are highly interactive, include strategies to engage the audience, and leave participants with new skills and learning they can immediately put to use in their jobs, in their homes, and in their communities.

Workshop tracks include:

• Parent/Caregiver Education and Support
• Effective Prevention Strategies
• Skills for Direct Services Provision
• Collaboration and Implementation within and across Systems
• Not-for-Profit Management and Leadership
  

For more information and instructions for submitting a proposal, please refer to the Call for Workshop Proposals .

The deadline for submission has been extended to December 16, 2011. Please email or call Jennifer Dailey, jdailey@preventchildabuseny.org, 518-445-1273, with any questions.