'We all have a shared responsibility'

COEUR d’ALENE — Blue ribbons and pinwheels are symbols of hope cropping up across North Idaho this April.

The decorations are symbols representing solidarity with the prevention of child abuse and the gathering of people Thursday at the Human Rights Education Institute.

Individuals and organizations are invited to paint their window fronts with pinwheel designs and display pinwheel gardens to spread awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“We all have a shared responsibility and can take collective action,” KJ Brant of Idaho Children’s Trust Fund said. 

Creating a safe and stable environment for children to thrive is critical to reframing the conversation and attitudes towards preventing child abuse.

The organizations in attendance at the event urged communities to help their neighbors in their times of need. Reducing stressors can lead to better outcomes for children and families and beyond just immediate family, all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them before they are in crisis.

A mayoral proclamation from Jim Hammond on the topic was read by Councilmember Dan Gookin, stating “Give our children hope, security and safety.”

During the event, Paula Lyon was surprised to learn she was the recipient of this year’s Champion For Children Award.

With her involvement coordinating resources for homeless students through the Coeur d’Alene School District’s McKinney-Vento program, volunteering for Safety Net InlandNW, Idaho Resilience Project, Coeur Community Closet, Operation Smile and Children’s Village among many others, she was lauded for her persistent efforts to improve children’s lives in a variety of ways.

“She never stops working to improve the lives of children in our community,” Kaylynn Augh said as she listed the many connections Lyon had forged in the community as an advocate.

To learn more or get involved in North Idaho child abuse prevention activities, email KJ Brant at KJ.Brant@CTF.Idaho.Gov or call 208-818-3001.

To learn more about Prevent Child Abuse America, visit PreventChildAbuse.org.

For Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, visit Children’sTrustFund.org. 

    Paula Lyon receives the Champion For Children Award from Kaylynn Augh at a child abuse prevention event Thursday at the Human Rights Education Institute.
  

    Pointing out that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, KJ Brant of Idaho Children’s Trust Fund said communities need to band together to raise up children out of adversity.