Events highlight Child Abuse Prevention Month

ASHEBORO — April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Randolph County Family Crisis Center (FCC) is inviting the community to get involved through several initiatives.

Those initiatives include:

— Blue Kits for Awareness

For a $50 donation, community members can receive a Blue Kit, which includes a blue light bulb, lapel pins, a yard sign and a pinwheel — all symbolic of child abuse prevention.

— Change for Children.

Businesses, churches and schools can display a Change for Children jar to collect spare change throughout the month to support Emmy's House.

— Day Sponsors

Local businesses can commit to donating a portion of their proceeds on a designated day in April to help fund FCC services.

— Wear Blue for Kids

On Friday, April 4, FCC encourages the community to wear blue, take a selfie and share it on social media using the hashtags #PassthePinwheel and #GreatChildhoods to spread awareness.

A generous donor has pledged to FCC to match every donation up to $10,000, ensuring every contribution will have double the impact.

Under the umbrella of services provided by The Family Crisis Center, Emmy's House Children's Advocacy Center opened in 2018 to meet the critical needs of children who have experienced abuse or trauma. As the only child advocacy center in the county, Emmy’s House provides a neutral, child-friendly space where children can safely share their stories during investigations. 

Services include:

— Coordinated interviews with DSS, law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office.

— On-site medical examinations.

— Support for child victims and non-offending family members.

— Referrals to appropriate counseling and community resources.

— Community education to prevent child abuse.

All services are provided at no cost to families. 

In the last six months of 2024, Emmy’s House served 302 children, with 242 cases involving sexual abuse. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for prevention, education and intervention.

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Leading Ladies Luncheon set for May 7

The Family Crisis Center will be hosting the 12th Annual Leading Ladies Luncheon, scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, at Pinewood Country Club. 

Each year, this luncheon brings together women who influence our community around a shared mission of breaking the cycle of abuse. The event is more than a fund-raiser. It’s an opportunity to learn, to connect and to help make a difference for children and families suffering from abuse and trauma right here in Randolph County. 

This year, FCC will introduce its new executive director, Melissa Dimock, who will be sharing her vision for the future of the Randolph County Family Crisis Center. 

Attendees will also hear a powerful story of hope from a survivor who has turned their journey of healing into a source of strength for others. 

Additionally, FCC will recognize this year's Leading Lady Award recipient for her outstanding commitment to the agency and the families it serves.

There is room for a few more table sponsors, an opportunity for local businesses to show their support while helping expand awareness of the vital work being done. 

There are also a limited number of individual tickets available for $75 each for those who would like to learn more about how we can work together to create positive change in Randolph County.

For more information about these events or to find out how you can get involved, call Jen Parrish 336-626-5040 or email Supportfamilies@randolphfcc.org.