A Community Fair Focused on Prevention and Support
Families gathered at 2363 S. Kennedy Lane in Yuma on Friday evening for a free community fair that aimed to prevent child abuse and support families in need. The event, co-hosted by The Healing Journey Behavioral Health and Crossroads Mission Yuma, featured a range of activities, including food, games, music, and educational resources.
- Hotdogs, popcorn, and snowcones were available for kids to enjoy, creating a fun and festive atmosphere.
- The event also included games, such as face painting and crafts, which helped to distract from the seriousness of the topic.
- Local organizations set up booths to provide information and support on various issues, including mental health, parenting resources, and addiction recovery.
The Importance of Awareness and Education
Child abuse is a harsh reality in many homes, and awareness efforts like this one are crucial in preventing it. According to Estrella Fitch, founder and CEO of The Healing Journey, “Children die every year from child abuse. We need to tell parents and show them that there’s help out there for them.”
The Healing Journey Behavioral Health and Crossroads Mission Yuma partnered to create a safe and supportive environment for families to connect and learn about available resources. The event aimed to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and provide a platform for families to share their experiences and receive support.
Community Resources and Support
The event offered a range of community resources and support, including:
- Mental health services
- Parenting resources and support
- Addiction recovery programs
- And more
These resources were provided by local organizations and were available to families in need.
Impact and Legacy
While the event wrapped up by 6:30 p.m., organizers hope its impact will last far longer. They aim to create a lasting legacy of awareness and support for families affected by child abuse. “The message is simple: help is always available,” said Sassa Culver, PR Director of Crossroads Mission Yuma. “We’re excited to be partnering with The Healing Journey to bring awareness to child abuse prevention and to provide a safe space for families to come together.”
Creating a Culture of Support
The event highlighted the importance of creating a culture of support and awareness in our communities. By working together, we can prevent child abuse and provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive.
“This free event…it’s hotdogs, popcorn, snowcones,” said Estrella Fitch, founder and CEO of The Healing Journey. “It’s about celebrating children, but also remembering that child abuse exists, and educating our families.”
| Key Takeaways | Child abuse is a harsh reality in many homes, and awareness efforts like this one are crucial in preventing it. |
| Community Resources | Local organizations provided mental health services, parenting resources, addiction recovery programs, and more. |
| Impact | Organizers hope the event’s impact will last far longer, creating a lasting legacy of awareness and support for families affected by child abuse. |
Conclusion
The “Celebrate the Child” event in Yuma served as a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness and education in preventing child abuse. By working together, we can create a culture of support and awareness in our communities, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive.
