Parents Anonymous celebrates child abuse awareness month

Governor Steve Beshear, signed a Proclamation proclaiming April 2009 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Parents Anonymous of Southeastern Kentucky kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month recently by meeting at "The Children’s Tree of Hope, which is located at the walking track at the Cumberland River Comprehensive Care Regional Office, on American Greetings Road. "The Children’s Tree of Hope," a red maple was provided by an anonymous donor and planted April 2004, by The Caring Dad’s Support Group. The reported Cases of child abuse in our Cumberland Valley region are 6,221 involving 7,358 children. There were 74,159 reported cases of abuse and neglect that involved 88,292 children in the State Of Kentucky. We must focus on changing these horrific numbers by decreasing alcohol drugs, and domestic violence cases in our courts and jails. Only then can we decrease Child Abuse and neglect in our communities and our state. Remember," Reach out to someone and touch a life".

Patra Gregory, Program Director said, Child abuse Prevention must start in our homes with our own families. We can not only be role models, we can help educate and support our neighbors and our community. Being a parent is a very difficult job and we all need support from time to time. Our children are our best assets, let us help protect them.

Storer said, Parents Anonymous® in Kentucky has partnered with hundreds of parents and children to find help, support, strength, and hope. This year I wrote and received and mini grant from Community Collaboration for Children (CCC). That provided the funding to add the Easter Egg Hunt. There were 1,500 colored plastic eggs filled with assortment of candy and toys, there were plush bunnies, and carrots and rubber ducks for the infants. Multi colored baskets and Golden Eggs filled with money. These were spread all over the front lawn of Cumberland River Comprehensive Care, Regional Office. All those eggs sparkling in the sunlight and the smiles on the children’s faces and the excitement in their eyes was amazing to watch.. After the Easter Egg Hunt the Easter Bunny gathered everyone close and read them an Easter Story.

A special thank you to K-Mart and Wal-Mart, who provided several door prizes. Thanks to all the volunteers and everyone who made this so very Special for over 50 parents and children.

If you would like information about a support group or starting a group in your area contact:

Dreama Storer, Program Coordinator TriCo mentoring/ Parents Anonymous® of Southeastern Kentucky 606-526-6303 Office 1-877-420-6963 Toll Free.