GREENFIELD — Paula Quinn didn’t expect to be moved to tears Thursday afternoon as her youngest kids ran around waving pinwheels in the air, snacking on pizza.
Yet as she stopped to reflect on how the child advocacy groups gathered at the Hancock County Public Library that day had changed her life, the tears began to flow.
“I think these groups and these people here are amazing,” said Quinn, who has gotten help getting herself and her six kids out of a domestic violence situation.
On Thursday, Quinn was among the dozens of people who stopped by the Greenfield library for the annual Pinwheel Event, hosted by four local advocacy organizations: Hancock4Kids, Zoey’s Place, Children’s Bureau, Inc. and Hancock County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
Community leaders and families were invited to stop by and plant a pinwheel in the ground outside the library on the corner of Franklin Street and Mackenzie Road to spread awareness for child abuse awareness close to home and beyond.
“The pinwheels are meant to represent a happy, carefree, safe childhood for all children,” said Mikel Theobald, co-director of Hancock4Kids.
Hancock4Kids is part of Prevent Child Abuse America, which promotes the pinwheel events every April, she said.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.
On Thursday, the local event’s host organizations gathered inside the library to showcase what they can each do for families in need.
The event started with a few remarks from Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell and Hancock County’s Chief Deputy Prosecutor Aimee Herring.
“All of us here have the responsibility to make children feel safe and to feel loved,” Herring told the crowd.
Candy Trout, a volunteer with Hancock4Kids and the Clothe-a-Child, Feed-a Family program, said plenty of need exists right here in Hancock County. The community can help by volunteering or financially supporting those organizations that help families in need, she said.
“It’s an indescribable feeling when you see the immediate impact,” said Trout, who helps families secure things like groceries, linens and clothing, often shopping alongside the families using donated gift cards and Kohl’s cash.
Misty Fuller, outreach coordinator for Children’s Bureau, Inc. and secretary for Hancock4Kids, said gatherings like Thursday’s pinwheel event are a great way to let families and the community know what types of resources are available in Hancock County.
“It’s important to educate the community that we are all here to help,” said Fuller, a mother of three.
As her own 3-year-old buzzed about the library’s community room on Thursday, pinwheel in hand, Fuller talked of the importance of getting families the help they need.
Quinn said she’ll never forget how Fuller and other local advocates have helped her and her family find resources to find a better life.
She hopes to soon move her family out of state, leaving behind the hurt and taking with her the strength and resilience she’s found through local advocates.
“They have been amazing. The resources have been a safety net for my family,” said Quinn, whose six children are ages 6 through 18.
After her mother died two years ago, Quinn felt like she had lost her only source of support. She turned to her children’s elementary school counselor, who referred her to the Children’s Bureau for help. What she found was not only material resources to help her family with food and rent, but kind-hearted individuals who were truly invested in helping her succeed.
“They’re helping mothers like me who may not have been in the best situations. They’ve gone the extra mile to help me,” she said, as her youngest child squeezed her hand.
“I’ve not been loved and supported like that before,” said Quinn, her eyes glistening.
“They’ve taught me to pick up my chin and move forward. It’s been so empowering. I don’t know where I would be without them.”
Four local child advocacy groups gathered Thursday at the Hancock County Public Library in Greenfield to share resources and promote National Child Abuse Prevention Month, held each April.
Following is a list of those groups, and some of the community events and fundraisers they have planned in the coming months:
Children’s Bureau, Inc.
childrensbureau.org
The Children’s Bureau works through community liaisons to assist families in developing and meeting specific family-centered goals, with the goal of developing a healthy family for every child.
Hancock4Kids
hancock4kids.org
Hancock4Kids provides Positive Parenting education and raises awareness of child abuse prevention through activities that teach, strengthen, empower and assist families and the community, so that children may grow up in safe and nurturing homes.
Hancock County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
casahancockcountyin.org
CASA works with volunteer advocates who provide hundreds of neglected, abused and exploited children with a voice in the court, and a friend in the process.
Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center
zoeysplacecac.org
Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center provides forensic interviews, advocacy, outreach, and partners within a multi-disciplinary team to serve children and their families affected by child physical/sexual abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, neglect and crimes against children.
EVENTS
April 22
The Lodge at Nameless Creek
CASA, Children’s Bureau, Inc., Hancock4Kids, Zoey’s Place and the Hancock County Division of Child Service join forces to host a luncheon featuring local police and fire departments and community service programs.
May 15
Clothe-a-Child, Feed-a-Family golf outing
Arrowhead Golf Club
Hancock4Kids is hosting its first golf outing to raise funds for the Clothe-a-Child, Feed-a-Family program, which originated through Elanco but recently came under the Hancock4Kids umbrella.
Superhero 5K & Kids’ Dash
June 18
Pennsy Trail, at Courthouse Plaza
Hancock4Kids hosts this annual fundraiser to buy baby monitors and other incentives for upcoming parenting classes.
Hancock4Kids Family Fun Summer
June 30
Riley Park
Hancock4Kids hosts a free cookout and scavenger hunt in Riley Park.
Hancock4Kids Family Fun Summer
July 21
Riley Park
Hancock4Kids hosts a free backpack and school supply giveaway at Riley Park. Registration is required. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Community Night Out
July 27
Hancock County Fairgrounds
Local healthcare providers, first responders and child advocates gather at the fairgrounds for a night of giveaways and family fun.
