Colorful, light, fluttering in the wind, and full of whimsical charm, pinwheels are a simple toy that symbolize childhood joy.
Versions of wind-driven pinwheels date back more than 2,000 years, appearing across cultures and nations around the world. Today, the blue pinwheel has become the national symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month, representing the happy, healthy childhoods every child deserves.
Each year, One More Child joins partners across the country by planting pinwheel gardens to raise awareness about preventing child abuse. These fluttering pinwheels will remain on our campus throughout the month of April, serving as a visible reminder to everyone who passes by of the importance of protecting children and strengthening families.
Protecting Children
Awareness leads to two critical responses: intervention when a child is in danger and prevention before a crisis happens.
Every child deserves to grow up in a stable, safe, and happy home—yet at least one in seven children experienced child abuse or neglect last year in the United States, with many cases unreported.
We must all work together to protect children from the life-altering trauma of abuse and neglect.
You can help protect children today:
- Know the signs of abuse and neglect. These may include unexplained injuries, fearfulness, or sudden changes in behavior. You can view additional signs from the Mayo Clinic here.
- Report any suspicion of abuse immediately. If you believe a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, contact authorities right away. Call or text the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or find your state’s reporting information here.
- Be a supportive friend and neighbor. Abuse and neglect often stem from instability or isolation. You can help protect children by offering practical help, encouragement, or mentorship to parents.
- Support organizations that protect children and strengthen families. Nonprofits like One More Child provide critical care and resources to children and families in need. You can be part of this mission through generous giving, volunteering, and engaging with our initiatives
Strengthening Families
Prevention happens when families have support, communities step in, and children grow up in safe and stable environments. By reducing risk factors, we strengthen families with confidence, dignity, and compassion.
Prevent Child Abuse Florida identified six protective factors that “mitigate the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and contribute to the overall health, stability, and resilience of children and families.”
These protective factors aren’t just abstract ideas—they are qualities we can nurture in our own communities and advocate for to support others.
Here are six protective factors that strengthen families:
1. Concrete Support. When families cannot meet basic needs, children often feel the deepest impact. But when families receive tangible support, they can access essentials like food, utilities, and critical services.
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- At One More Child… we meet families’ practical needs as a vital part of our programs, especially through our Compassion Ministries.
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2. Social and Emotional Competence. When children experience early trauma—such as abuse, neglect, hunger, or poverty—they may struggle to manage emotions. But when parents and caregivers model healthy emotional regulation and empathy, children are better equipped to do the same.
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- At One More Child… we provide emotional support, counseling, and parenting guidance as a key part of our program.
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3. Nurturing and Attachment. When parents are overwhelmed by daily pressures, nurturing care can take a back seat. But when caregivers consistently show unconditional love and support, children are far more likely to thrive.
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- At One More Child… we lead with the love of Jesus Christ in all our programs, demonstrating unconditional love and equipping parents to reflect that in their homes.
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4. Social Connections. There’s a reason for the saying, “It takes a village.” When families face challenges in isolation, the weight can feel overwhelming. But when they are surrounded by a supportive community, they are better positioned to pursue stability and long-term success.
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- At One More Child… we create opportunities for meaningful community, connecting parents with others facing similar circumstances and fostering faith-centered relationships.
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5. Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development.When caregivers lack understanding of child development and effective discipline, children may grow up without appropriate guidance. But when parents are equipped with these tools, children can experience greater security, structure, and stability.
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- At One More Child… we provide guidance through classes and mentorship, equipping parents with tools and skills to raise their children with confidence.
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6. Resilience. When hardships persist, parents may feel discouraged and tempted to give up. But when hope in Jesus Christ remains at the center, families can find strength to heal, grow, and overcome.
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- At One More Child… we empower families to cultivate resilience through encouragement, practical support, and, most importantly, the transformative hope of Jesus.
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