Display Located at Herkimer County Child Advocacy Center
HERKIMER, N.Y. (April 27, 2021) – YWCA Mohawk Valley (YWCA MV) staff is raising awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month by displaying blue pinwheels at the Herkimer County Child Advocacy Center (CAC).
“We want our pinwheels to spread hope for a bright future,” says Herkimer CAC Director Vikki Smithson. “Every pinwheel represents one child we served last year. It’s a heavy number to see, but we hope it gives kids and survivors a little comfort knowing they’re not alone.”
According to Prevent Child Abuse America, the pinwheels symbolize child-like whimsy and lightheartedness. YWCA MV will keep their display out through mid-May to show that their support is available beyond observing the April awareness month.
The Herkimer CAC provides free, confidential, and child-friendly services 24-hours, including advocacy, accompaniment, counseling, and more. In 2020, they provided services for 111 children. Between January and March 2021, staff have already served 73 children.
“In this country, 45 percent of children who die from abuse and neglect are under a year old,” says YWCA MV CEO Dianne Stancato. “We have to be the voices for the little ones, because they can’t always speak up for themselves.”
YWCA MV staff at the Herkimer CAC serves child and adult survivors of child abuse and sexual violence across Herkimer County. For 24-hour crisis services, call their free and confidential hotline at 315.866.4120, or visit ywcamv.org/Chat.
