CITY OF CASA GRANDE | STRONGER UNITED
510 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122
www.CasaGrandeAZ.gov
Contact:
Heather C. Kennedy
Public Information Office
(520) 421-8600 ext. 2530
PIO@CasaGrandeAZ.gov
October 21, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ANNUAL CHILDREN’S FLOWER GARDEN EVENT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF CHILD ABUSE.
The City Attorney's Office Victim Services Program, in partnership with the Casa Grande Elementary School District, is hosting the annual Children's Flower Garden Event on Thursday, October 31st. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the City Hall Plaza flower garden, located at 510 E. Florence Blvd. This special event is dedicated to remembering children who have been victims of abuse and supporting ongoing efforts to protect the vulnerable.
Each year, the flower garden is planted as a symbol of hope and healing for children impacted by abuse. “Gardening is not only a beneficial physical activity but also an educational experience that teaches children the importance of nurturing living things,” said Terry Montijo, Victim Services Coordinator. “This hands-on activity helps children express their emotions in a healthy way, offering them an outlet for feelings that might otherwise go unspoken.” The event highlights the vital role that communities play in supporting victims and raising awareness about the ongoing issue of child abuse.
Child abuse remains a prevalent issue across the country. According to the National Children’s Alliance, more than 550,000 children are abused annually in the U.S., with child welfare authorities investigating the safety of over 7.5 million children. Alarmingly, the youngest children are the most vulnerable, with 44.4% of child abuse fatalities occurring in children less than one year old. The trauma of abuse, if untreated, can lead to long-term physical and emotional harm, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Education and prevention efforts are essential in safeguarding our youth and promoting healing for survivors.
The Children's Flower Garden Event is a collaborative effort involving many organizations and community partners. This year's event is sponsored by Artistic Land Management, Inc. Participating schools include Cottonwood Elementary School, the Center for Online Innovative Learning, Saguaro Elementary School, and Villago Middle School. Special performances will be given by the Casa Grande Union High School Cougar Spiritline and Casa Grande Union High School Trumpet Quartet and Sax Solo. Against Abuse, Inc. will also join the event, planting pinwheels to promote child abuse prevention, while the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sun Corridor will provide inspirational pin buttons for the students.
Additionally, the Casa Grande Fire Department will be on hand to provide students with important fire safety information and giveaways. This blend of activities and resources aims to engage the community in an impactful way, reminding everyone of the collective responsibility to keep our children safe and protected from harm.
The City Attorney’s Office Victim Services Program plays a crucial role in supporting victims and their families, offering direct assistance and education on domestic violence, safety planning, and navigating the criminal justice process. For more information on available resources, please visit the City Website or contact (520) 421-8600.
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