The ceremony took place at City Hall, with the ability to walk to Jamestown High School to plant more pinwheels, a normal part of the annual ceremony, disrupted by the weather. Mayor Kim Ecklund began the ceremony.

“As we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month we come together as a community, recognizing our responsibility to protect the children of Jamestown and the surrounding community,” Ecklund said. “Every child in our city deserves to grow up in a safe, loving and supportive environment, free from harm and full of opportunity.”

Ecklund said child abuse is not just a national issue, but a local one as well. While the challenges are real, Ecklund said so is the ability to enact change.

“Prevention is not just about awareness, it requires action from all of us,” Ecklund said. “Raising awareness is important, but it is not enough. A child in crisis needs more than words, they need people willing to step in, advocate and provide support both physical and emotional.”

Pictured are some people who came to the Pinwheels for Prevention Ceremony as they plant their pinwheels. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

Ecklund gave examples of ways anyone can help, including just being someone they can talk to or listen to.

Also speaking during the ceremony were Carmelo Hernandez, county director of Community Mental Hygiene Services and social services commissioner; Sarahden Randall, Safe Harbor coordinator for the Child Advocacy Program, two high school students from Jamestown Public Schools, and representatives from the Salvation Army and Youth Center with the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program.

“Our goal should be to ensure that they have a happy and prosperous journey to get here,” Hernandez said. “Without them, where would we be?”

Randall gave some statistics from the community, including the decreasing amount of children being referred to Safe Harbor. She said it is very important to refer children to these resources to get help if they need them.

“Each April, Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us of one fundamental truth, one that we’re prioritizing, building support, connecting communities that strengthen families, we’re working towards the future when children can have happy lives,” Randall said. “The campaign theme for this year is ‘Power by Hope, Strengthen by Prevention’. This theme reflects our shared commitment to ensure all families have access to resources and the support that they need when they need it.”

Those in attendance were able to choose a blue pinwheel to plant outside city hall. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

Support and empowerment are keys to making this theme a reality, Randall said, giving the ability to create a future of hope for children in local and national communities. Prevention, raising awareness, and working together to build support and make connections are just some ways Randall said anyone can help children get the support they need and end child abuse.

Pictured is Mayor Kim Ecklund as she speaks to the crowd gathered to help kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse