LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Highlands YMCA is marking Child Abuse Prevention Month in April with Five Days of Action, April 24-28.
Leading up to Healthy Kids Day — a national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids — Five Days of Action focuses on preventing child sexual abuse by sharing tips on how adults can prevent this heinous form of abuse.
During April and all year long, the Alleghany Highlands YMCA encourages adults and organizations in the community to play a vital role in making the Alleghany Highlands a safer place for children. This year’s Five Days of Action theme is “Know. See. Respond.”, an initiative aimed at preventing child sexual abuse at both summer camp and in youth sports, along with internet safety.
When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together, we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations around how we can all work together to prevent it from happening.
“Protecting children from sexual abuse must be the No. 1 goal of every person who cares about the health and well-being of kids,” said Alleghany Highlands YMCA Executive Director Jennifer Unroe. “Together, we can stand up to demand that children are protected and encourage adults to make it happen in our community. It takes all of us.”
The Alleghany Highlands YMCA will be hosting Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, from 1-5 p.m. Activities include safety around water exercises, family Zumba, and BoxFit demonstrations with coach Torie Woodberry. Local police, fire and EMS personnel will be on hand, while healthcare information will be available. There will be other games and activities, while healthy snacks will be provided.
“We look forward to a fun-filled day for the youth,” said Michael May, health and wellness director for the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. “With all of the activities we have planned, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
The Alleghany Highlands YMCA and the YMCA Guardians for Child Protection, with support from YMCA of the USA, Darkness to Light, the Redwoods Group Foundation and Praesidium have made materials available to help adults learn more about preventing child sexual abuse. For more information about preventing child sexual abuse, visit www.fivedaysofaction.org.
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