April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the blue ribbon is the national symbol of child abuse prevention. This annual ceremony promotes awareness and will focus on the importance of protecting our children from abuse. Child abuse is not just a local issue, it is also a national problem. Here in Cumberland County alone, there were 745 assigned reported cases of child abuse, with a total of 1712 children affected in 2023.
The Blue-Ribbon Committee has been hard at work preparing for this event and the theme chosen is “PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.” The children who suffer from abuse often feel isolated and hopeless. This year’s event will focus on resources, hope, and help. With all the organizations working together for the prevention of child abuse.
The event will be held at the Cumberland Community Complex on April 21, 2024, with doors opening at 11:30 am and the ceremony beginning at 12:30 pm.
A free meal will be offered to the first two hundred in attendance. Booths will be set up offering prizes for the children, a balloon artist, juggler, and face painter will be present along with many other activities children will enjoy. Discover local resources and find out how to get involved and become part of the solution. Our guest speaker this year will be Jeff Phipps with Cumberland County Juvenil Court as the Youth Services Director.
The Blue-Ribbon Committee is also collaborating with the Cumberland County Schools to hold a bumper sticker contest for students using this year’s them. Local schools are invited to participate, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be given to the winners at the ceremony. Beautiful posters, bumper stickers, and drawings created by students from years past will also be on display.
Come join us as we all learn how to better prevent child abuse.
You Can Download the flyer for the 2024 Blue Ribbon Ceremony here.
For more information you may contact Denise Melton @ 931-707-2273
