Putnam County Courthouse Goes Blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Brewster, NY – March 22, 2019 – In recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month the Putnam County Courthouse will be lit with blue light, one of several initiatives designed to raise awareness that child abuse is preventable, said County Executive MaryEllen Odell.
“All kids deserves a great childhood that’s carefree and full of promise,” said Odell. “Putnam County values its children and when people see the light we hope it will remind them that together as a community we can stop child abuse.”
In addition to the courthouse, the Child Advocacy Center and Prevent Child Abuse New York’s “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign are also using pinwheels to raise awareness. “Pinwheels are meant to convey that every child deserves the chance to be raised in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment,” said CAC Program Coordinator Marla Behler.
The pinwheel garden is located in front of the Sibyl Ludington Statue at Lake Gleneida on Route 6 in Carmel, across from St. James Church.
On April 3rd, Foster Parents Dale and Dolores Bettcher, who opened their home to more than 60 children, will be recognized at the third annual Champions for Children Breakfast sponsored by the Friends of Putnam CAC, Inc. and the Child Advocacy Center of Putnam County.
The breakfast gathering at the Putnam National Golf Club in Mahopac Falls will feature as its guest speaker Mark Yarbrough, whose story of burnout became the basis for his presentation, “Give ‘em the F.I.N.G.E.R!” He addresses the struggle of burnout offering powerful, practical and hilarious insights to help people understand and re-engage in their lives. The breakfast takes place from 8-10 am. Admission is $25, $30 at the door. Tickets and additional information are available at www.friendsofputnamcac.org/CHAMPIONS-FOR-CHILDREN or by calling 808-1400.
“The CAC has long advocated that education is imperative to preventing child abuse and continues to partner with local agencies to implement innovative programs to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing of the children of Putnam County,” said Behler. “As more awareness and education programs become available, it is clear that people understand the importance of early and comprehensive prevention of abuse, not just responding to it after it occurs.”
Among the tips provided by Prevent Child Abuse New York are acknowledging that parenting is a tough job. Reassure a parent coping with a difficult situation in public. Help amuse a restless child. For your own kids, be patient and really listen when they speak to you, and make it a priority to spend time with them, undistracted by work and the other demands on your time.
For more information on child abuse prevention programs call the Child Advocacy Center of Putnam County at (845) 808-1400.
