April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and in recognition of that Governor Haley Barbour designated April 2009 as Month of the Child in the State of Mississippi. The Proclamation is in recognition of, the “Week of the Young Child”, an annual observance sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), that encourages recognition and celebration of activities that promote the developmental well-being of young children. The “Week of the Young Child” is April 19-25, 2009.
“Through our supervised visitation programs and case management programs we deal with abused children almost every day” says Jara Miller, VP of Family and Children’s Services at the Metropolitan YMCA’s of Mississippi. “It is programs like this that help bring awareness to the front of the public’s minds. Without awareness, this problem could persist forever! That’s why we’re so happy to partner with PCA in the State of Mississippi.”
The YMCA will be holding its annual Healthy Kids Day on April 18, 2009 at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson. The event, focusing on healthy activities for families and children, is free to the public and will take place from 10AM-2PM.
For more information about National Child Abuse Prevention Month, or the problem of child abuse and neglect in Mississippi, please contact Jara Miller at 601-944-1055, extension 200.
About YMCAs
The nation’s 2,686 YMCAs serve 21 million people each year, including nearly 10 million children ages 17 and under. YMCAs respond to critical social needs by drawing on their collective strength as one of America’s largest not-for-profit community service organizations. Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, family strengthening, and health and well-being for all, YMCAs unite men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America’s communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Visit www.metroymcams.org to find your local YMCA.
