CITY OF CASA GRANDE | STRONGER UNITED
510 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122
(520) 421-8600 | www.CasaGrandeAZ.gov
Contact:
Heather C. Kennedy
Public Information Office
(520) 421-8600 ext. 2530
PIO@CasaGrandeAZ.gov
November 3, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Children’s Flower Garden Event Scheduled (11/08).
The City Attorney's Office Victim Services Program, in partnership with the Casa Grande Elementary School District, will host the annual Children's Flower Garden Event on Wednesday, November 8th. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the City Hall Plaza flower garden, located at 510 E. Florence Blvd.
The flower garden is planted every year to remember children who have been victims of abuse. Gardening is an incredible way to give children an opportunity to explore and learn about nature. It teaches them self-confidence and responsibility and is a great way to acknowledge the important work they are doing to help children who have been victimized.
More than 600,000 children are abused in the U.S. each year, according to the National Children’s Alliance, and children in the first year of their life are 15% of all victims. More than a quarter (28%) of child victims of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect are under the age of two years old. Nationally, neglect is the most common form of abuse at (76%). Children who are abused and neglected can develop long-term effects of depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment disorders and even medical conditions (Child Welfare Information Gateway). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in 46.4% of fatalities, the child is less than 1 year of age. Education is a key factor to keep our children, families, and the community aware of what to look for in an abusive situation.
“We must educate our children, families, and the community about what to look for and what to teach our children to keep them safe,” says Terry Montijo, Victim Services Coordinator. “We must stop this abuse and violence against our children.”
There are many organizations involved in the Flower Garden Event this year, which is being sponsored by Artistic Land Management, Inc. Participating schools include: Cactus Middle School, Cholla Elementary School, Ironwood Elementary School, the Casa Grande Union High School Cougar Spirit Line, and the Casa Grande Union High School Sax Quartet and Trumpet. Against Abuse, Inc. joins the event this year by planting pinwheels to promote Child Abuse Prevention. Additionally, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sun Corridor will provide inspirational pin back buttons for the students, and CASA of Arizona will provide students with drawstring backpacks. The Casa Grande Fire Department will also participate by providing students with Fire Safety information.
The City Attorney’s Office Victim Services Program provides direct assistance, support, and protection to victims and their families. They also educate about domestic violence, safety planning and the criminal justice process. To learn about important resources, visit the City’s website at www.CasaGrandeAZ.gov or call (520) 421-8600.
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