Pinwheels spin to raise awareness against child abuse

By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger

DAVENPORT — Blue and silver pinwheels lined the lawn of St. Ambrose University Children’s Campus on April 3. As part of Child Abuse Awareness Month, EveryChild hosts pinwheel gardens at various sites throughout the Quad-City area to raise awareness.

EveryChild, based in Moline, Illinois, is dedicated to ensuring the safety, health and well-being of children in the Quad Cities. Through education, prevention and support services, EveryChild empowers families and the community to create safe environments for children to grow, learn and thrive, said Brooke Hendricks, vice president of development and communications. “This is a time to focus on the well-being of children and raise awareness about the resources available in our community to ensure safe, healthy childhoods for all.”

Nicole Mann, EveryChild’s president, said, “Childhood well-being is a community issue. We all have a responsibility to ensure that children have positive experiences and that families have the support and resources they need to thrive.”

During the April 3 ceremony, rescheduled due to rain the day before, kids from the Children’s Campus lined the gated yard in anticipation of “planting” a pinwheel in the front yard. Hendricks told them that April is a time to plant pinwheels. “It reminds us big people that kids should have happy childhoods.” She noted that 80% of brain development occurs by age 3. “Their brains work fast,” she told the adults. “Ours — not so fast.” The adults laughed.

Courtney Stutt, the Children’s Campus director, said, “This is close to our heart to keep children safe. Our hope is for each child to have a safe and loving environment. We hope so for many years to come.”

Each class at the center took turns with adults attaching the pinwheel to stakes already placed in the ground.

Throughout April, EveryChild will host free trainings, dine-for-a-cause nights, and provide suggested family activities focused on wellness, safety and relationship building throughout the month. The organization encourages community members to participate in these events to learn more about how they can make a difference in the lives of children and families.

On April 24, EveryChild will host the Celebrate Every Child Gala fundraising event at the Rhythm City Casino Event Center in Davenport, starting at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and entertainment. Audrey Lester, a wife, mother, early childhood educator and college student will share her story of overcoming parenting challenges and finding strength through support.

Visit www.foreverychild.org/calendar for more information or tickets.