The Atlantic County Youth Services Commission is partnering with organizations throughout Atlantic County to raise awareness of child abuse and promote prevention with the planting of pinwheel gardens at multiple locations during April, Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The blue and white pinwheels symbolize childhood innocence and the carefree experiences that should define childhood, according to Curtis Still, Youth Services Commission Administrator.
It is estimated that one in 100 children in New Jersey experiences abuse. Research indicates that adverse childhood experiences may result in long-term health impacts and increased costs to society.
April was first declared National Child Abuse Prevention Month by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. The month serves to raise awareness and encourage communities to work together for solutions to prevent the abuse and neglect of our children.
Pinwheel gardens will be displayed by the following organizations: Atlantic County government and four county library branches, Atlantic County Institute of Technology, Atlantic Cape Community College, Atlantic City Police Athletic League, Atlantic County Family Success Centers, Oceanside Family Success Centers, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Faith Baptist Church, Mount Zion Baptist Church, IDEAL Institute of Technology, New Jersey Youth Corps, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Pleasantville Housing Authority, Stanley Holmes Village, and the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City.
Garden installations will be provided by Windy Crest Media, Atlantic City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and NJ Youth Corps.