Prevention Month
KIDS Center (Kids Intervention and Diagnostic Service Center), a non-profit child abuse intervention center serving all of Central Oregon, cares for victims of child abuse every day, including over 600 children in 2011. Dedicated equally to the prevention of child abuse, KIDS Center again kicks off the Blue Ribbon Campaign this April. The Blue Ribbon Campaign coincides with April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign began in 1989 as one woman’s tribute to her grandson when she tied a blue ribbon on her car antenna to symbolize his bruises, after he died at the hands of his mother’s abusive partner. KIDS Center brought the campaign to Central Oregon in 1997 to raise awareness of the epidemic of child abuse in our community. In addition to awareness, the Blue Ribbon Campaign also focuses on educating individuals and groups on how to better protect children in their lives, as well as our community from child abuse.
Almost 50,000 blue ribbons along with educational materials will be distributed throughout the community in April. People are encouraged to wear a blue ribbon to show support for the awareness and prevention of child abuse.
Inside The Bulletin on Monday, March 26, readers will find a special KIDS Center prevention newsletter, a calendar of Blue Ribbon events and a wearable blue ribbon. There will also be several Blue Ribbon Trees decorated around Central Oregon.
A number of special events are scheduled for the month of April, including the annual Blue Ribbon Campaign Opening Ceremony to kick-off the campaign, are outlined on the following page. For more information about the Blue Ribbon Campaign, child abuse prevention and other events in April, visit www.kidscenter.org or call 541-383-5958.
April Community Events 2012
Opening Ceremony
April 6, 4–5pm
Outside Bend La Pine Education Center, Bend (across from the Library)
Kick off the annual Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse. Enjoy free food, inspirational words, music by the Bend Children’s Choir and presentation of “Prevention Partner of the Year” Awards.
Raise Me Up Campaign
April 2, 12:15 pm
Deschutes County Courthouse
You don’t have to raise a foster child to raise them up. Just raise your hand and say you’ll help. This flag raising event builds support and shows how it’s possible to improve the lives of children by getting involved. Community members are needed to join hands around the Court House to represent the number of children that spent at least one day in foster care last year. To find out how you can help visit www.raisemeup.oregon.gov. Call CASA of Central Oregon at 541-389-1618 for event information.
Blue Ribbon Sunday
Sunday, April 8
Join your local faith community in highlighting the issue of child abuse in Central Oregon. Through reflection and action, another step can be taken in the prevention of child abuse. To learn more about Blue Ribbon Sunday or to request blue ribbons, contact Kim Bohme at KIDS Center 541-383-5958 x 248.
Eat, PLAY, Love! A Celebration of Young Families
Friday, April 20, 4:30-7pm Ensworth Elementary School Gym
Free fun-filled family event. Dinner will be provided to families and live music will be played. Many activities will be held that promote learning through play.
CASA’s Light of Hope
Run and Walk
Sunday, April 22, Riverbend Park, Bend
CASA’s Fifth Annual event features a 10K, 5K and 1K walk/run. Proceeds benefit abused and neglected children in the court system. For more info call CASA of Central Oregon at 541-389-1618 or visit www.casaofcentraloregon.org.
The Whole-Brain Child:
An Evening with Tina Payne Bryson Ph.D
Friday, April 27, 7-8.30pm
Pinckney Auditorium in Pence Hall,
Central Oregon Community College
Join this informative evening discussion with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, a psychotherapist at Pediatric and Adolescent Psychology Associates in Arcadia, California at the Mind Institute.
Her bestselling book, co-authored with Dan Siegel, The Whole-Brain Child addresses the ways in which families, schools, and communities can support children’s neurological development. She speaks about this topic at many events around the country.
This event is presented by the: Central Oregon Chapter for the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children and The Partnerships for Young Children, In Collaboration with Central Oregon Community College Early Childhood Education Program.
