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April is recognized nationwide as Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The Blue Ribbon Campaign is a comprehensive community wide effort to promote child abuse awareness in Northern Kentucky led by Family Nurturing Center and supported by a range of individuals and community partners.  Unfortunately, Northern Kentucky ranks higher than state and national averages in the area of child abuse and neglect (download statistics on the number of children reported abused by county in Northern Kentucky) and Kentucky leads the nation in child abuse fatalities.

And as National Public Radio reported, many States are slashing budgets for child and abuse prevention programs. (Read/Listen to Story at NPR).

The Blue Ribbon Campaign will not only encourage the region to understand the problems of child abuse, but will also guide efforts in what we can do to help.  Activities planned for April include awareness, prevention, education, and fund-raising.

• Blue Ribbon 5K Race and Family Fun Walk – Register online now to attend our first 5K race, Saturday, April 24th, beginning at 8:00 am.  The race (download flyer) begins at General Cable in Highland Heights and travels through NKU’s campus.  Registration is $25 participant (pre-registered) and includes a t-shirt.  Children 12 and under are FREE but must be accompanied by an adult.  Teams and individuals will enjoy our intermediate level course, which is handicap accessible.  Awards will be given for the top three runners and walkers for both men and women.

  Participants can do more than just run or walk, they can invite their friends to help them raise additional funds to support Family Nurturing Center’s many services to children and families all year long.  Awards will be given for top team and individual who raises the most charitable donations.

  Corporate sponsorship opportunities for the Blue Ribbon 5K Race and Family Fun Walk are still available.  With your minimum donation of $100, sponsors will have their company name’s included on all participant t-shirts, can include a company flier or coupon in participant goodie bags, and will be recognized at the award’s ceremony.  Contact Tracy Fuchs for details.

  Volunteers are needed to help during the race.  For details contact Amber Evans.

• Blue Ribbon Ceremony-The Blue Ribbon Ceremony to kick off April Child Abuse Prevention Month activities will take place on Thursday, April 1, at 12:00 noon, hosted once again by Tom Gill Chevrolet in Florence!  The ceremony, which is co-sponsored by Leadership Northern Kentucky Alumni Association raises awareness of the magnitude of child abuse in our community and guest are invited to tie blue ribbons along the white picket fence in front of the dealership to demonstrate their support for child abuse prevention and education. 
  
  
• Build a Blue Ribbon Tree for Kids in Your Community - We invite and urge every community to take action for children by simply “Building a Blue Ribbon Tree”.  Trees may be displayed during the entire month of April indoor or outdoors.  Take a picture of your tree and send to Family Nurturing Center for inclusion in our Tree Registry and have your tree featured at our Blue Ribbon Ceremony and through other media outlets.  Blue Ribbon Trees are growing all over Northern Kentucky. Download blue ribbon tree packet.
  (You may also check out our previous Tree Registry at Flickr.)
  
  
• Blue Ribbon Pin Awareness Campaign - Community members can make a donation for Child Abuse Prevention by purchasing an enamel blue ribbon pin or static window clings at all Bank of Kentucky, Key Bank, and Central Bank locations in Northern Kentucky. Read the full story of the Blue Ribbon campaign and how a Virginia grandmother began an international campaign to stop child abuse.
  
  
• Blue Sunday -Churches of all faiths are asked to join together in prayer on Sunday, April 25 for Blue Sunday.  On this special Sunday, congregations will join together in a day of prayer to demonstrate their appreciation to those who help abused or neglected children, and to support children and families who have been touched by abuse.  A church bulletin insert (Page 1 | Page 2) is available for download.
  
  Does your church have a Safe Sanctuaries policy or guidelines to reduce the risk of child abuse?  Has your church done a proactive self-evaluation to assess policy needs to protect children in the church’s care?  To read a sample Safe Sanctuaries policy created by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church visit www.gbod.com/ministries/family/safe/about.htm.
  
  
• Community Particpation - Cities and counties throughout the region are encouraged to include announcements about National Child Abuse Prevention Month in their civic newsletters, put up a poster, and post on web sites with an optional direct link to Family Nurturing Center, www.familynurture.org. Our community awareness information packet is available for download.
  
  
• Business Participation - Local companies and small businesses are asked to encourage their employees to wear Blue Ribbons, hold a dress down day or special fundraiser, display a We Support Child Abuse Prevention window static cling at your place of business, participate in the Build a Blue Ribbon Tree for Kids project, and ask their customers to support child abuse prevention and treatment programs provided by Family Nurturing Center. You may also download our community awareness packet.
  
  
• School Participation - Area schools are asked to conduct Penny Drives to support programs provided by Family Nurturing Center.  In addition, students can participate in the Children’s Art Contest, the school can schedule a Kids on the Block Puppet Show or PTA’s can host a Nurturing Parenting family presentation to parents.
  
  
  • 2010 April Child Abuse Prevention Month School Participation Packet

•  Children’s Art Contest –Children in third through sixth grade are invited to submit an entry for Family Nurturing Center’s annual Children’s Art Contest related to the theme PREVENT CHILD ABUSE.    The winning entry is made into a poster and featured on all TANK buses during the month of April.   Students must submit an entry form and signed parent consent form.  The winning student has a choice of a Hobby Lobby gift card or pizza party for their school classroom.
  

• Pancakes for Prevention – Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast with the Williamstown Kiwanis and the Grant County Community Partnership for Protecting Children on Saturday, April 10 at 7:00 – 10:00 am at the Dry Ridge Christian Church, located at13 School St. Dry Ridge. It is open to the public and free of charge. No reservations needed, but if you have a big group, please contact maryleeandmike@yahoo.com.
  
  
• Kappa Delta Sorority – Kappa Delta Sorority at NKU once again will be holding their annual golf outing to raise funds for child abuse prevention, education and treatment programs.  Family Nurturing Center is one of the lucky recipients of the girl’s hard work.  Saturday, March 27th, 2010.  There are 2 tee times- 8:00 am and 1:30 pm at Reeves Golf Course in Cincinnati, OH.  Registration is $75/person on a 3 or 4 person team. Last day to register is February 28th!  For more information, contact Jacilyn Wulfeck at 859-468-2158 or wulfeckj1@yahoo.com.  Donations can also be made at www.kappadeltanku.com.