Together we can ensure safe childhoods.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and we all have a stake in building sturdy foundations for Elkhart County children. Positive childhood experiences lead to stronger communities for all of us. That’s why we encourage the Elkhart County community to join us in our mission of ensuring every child lives a life free from abuse and neglect. We invite you to connect with and support CAPS this month so that children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need, when they need them.
Over this next month, we hope to raise awareness and inspire action around this important issue. Child abuse is preventable. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is our responsibility to give them the tools and foundation to thrive.
Rally for Kids
Leaders and members of the community joined CAPS and DCS for the annual Rally for Kids event on March 28th at CAPS. The Rally for Kids is the kick-off event for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, inspiring continued efforts to ensure the safety, happiness, and health of all children in our community. Attendees heard updates on the ongoing prevention and safety efforts in Elkhart County from CAPS President/CEO Rebecca Shetler Fast, State Representative Joanna King, Local Director of DCS Tamara Perkey, and Juvenile Magistrate Elizabeth Bellin; engaged with a gallery of artwork depicting safe adults provided by children throughout the county; and joined in the reading of a joint commitment from the Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins, County Commissioner Brad Rogers, and Elkhart County Sheriff Jeff Siegel. Snacks, Safe Adult art gallery viewing, and a tour of the CAPS building followed the Rally.
Pinwheels for Prevention
Throughout the month of April, CAPS encourages the community to plant pinwheel gardens, a visual commitment to our shared role in keeping the children of our community safe. Pinwheels represent the joys of childhood and the positive cycles of love and support that help children thrive.
Over 200 gardens have already been planted throughout Elkhart County and beyond. To join in, sign up for a pinwheel garden at bit.ly/PinwheelGarden24 or contact us at CAPS.
Safe Adult Art Gallery
A safe adult is someone a child can trust to keep them safe and someone they can go to when they have been harmed and will take action on the child’s behalf. The Safe Adult Art Gallery is made up of artwork by students from local schools and organizations. CAPS received nearly 150 pieces of artwork depicting safe adults in our community, including moms, dads, first responders, teachers, coaches, and others. You can view the safe adult artwork by vising CAPS at 1000 West Hively Avenue in Elkhart.
Become a Partner in Prevention with CAPS
CAPS is leading the efforts in Elkhart County to not only respond to child abuse but also prevent it. At CAPS, we equip parents with the skills they need, educate the community on child safety, and provide family support through home visitation and crisis case management. These services help families to thrive and keep children safe. But the best and most effective prevention efforts take place in partnership. There are many ways that our community can become partners in prevention:
- Sign up for a free pinwheel garden – Click Here
- Visit CAPS Safe Adult Art Gallery – CAPS at 1000 West Hively Avenue, Elkhart, IN
- Follow CAPS newsletter for monthly updates –Click Here
- Volunteer at CAPS – https://capselkhart.org/how-we-help/
- Donate to support CAPS’ programs – donate on the website or mail a check to CAPS at1000 West Hively, Elkhart, IN 46517