Greenville First Steps - Spring 2016

TURNING TOWARD A SAFER TURNING TOWARD A SAFER WORLD FOR CHILDREN WORLD FOR CHILDREN April is Child Abuse Prevention Month April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

scChildren.org/CAPmonthGreenville scChildren.org/CAPmonthGreenville GREENVILLE COUNTY GREENVILLE COUNTY

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month RECOGNIZE | SUPPORT | ADVOCATE | PROTECT

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, the

Children’s Trust is home to Prevent Child

us work together. That’s what makes our

nationally designated month to recognize

Abuse South Carolina, the state chapter of

partnership so important.

the importance of communities working

Prevent Child Abuse America, and leads the

together to prevent child abuse and neglect,

Pinwheels for Prevention campaign across

and Greenville County First Steps and

the state. This endeavor connects Project

Children’s Trust of South Carolina are joining

Pinwheel to the Pinwheels for Prevention

forces to promote Greenville’s Child Abuse

campaign.

Prevention Month.

Greenville County First Steps recently

Greenville County First Steps has served as

became a charter Prevention Partner of

the leader behind Project Pinwheel in the

Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina. This

Upstate area by planting pinwheel gardens

newly-formed network of organizations

with more than 300 community partners

throughout the state will lead the way in

over the past four years. The pinwheel,

raising awareness.

which serves as the national symbol of child abuse prevention, represents the happy,

First Steps are excited about the new

While this is a year-round effort, April’s the

to a national message. Our long-standing

prevention strategies that individuals and communities can use to protect children,

alliance, which links local organizations productive relationship will only be enhanced by this initiative.

strengthen families, and raise awareness

We are committed to giving every child the

about the need to stop child abuse and

opportunity to grow up healthy and happy,

neglect from occurring.

but we can’t accomplish that unless all of

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abuse and neglect.

Sue Williams CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHILDREN’S TRUST OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Both Children’s Trust and Greenville County

healthy childhood every child deserves.

time that we shine a spotlight on all the

Please join us in our mission to prevent child

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – scChildren.org/CAPmonthGreenville

Derek Lewis EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GREENVILLE COUNTY FIRST STEPS

BUILDING GREAT CHILDHOODS We know if families are strong and communities have resources, then children are more likely to grow up free from child abuse and neglect.

Join us to celebrate the proven protections that keep all children ready to enjoy a great childhood.

Strength and resilience builds great childhoods Families who are strong, able to manage challenges, and cope with the stresses of life are resilient. Resilience is what allows parents to continue nurturing their children even when times are tough.

Playing with your kid builds great childhoods When families spend quality time together, parents can help their children learn how to be good winners and losers. Children who understand their feelings and can better relate to others cause less stress on the family and grow into well-adjusted adults with the ability to handle life’s curveballs.

Support in tough times builds great childhoods When parents are not able to provide food, shelter, clothing and other basic needs, their children may be at risk. Strong communities lend a helping hand to families who have lost a job, lack health insurance, are battling an addiction or suffer a crisis such as a natural disaster.

Learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month and how to keep South Carolina’s children safe.

Good neighbors build great childhoods Families need friends. They need people who can lend a sympathetic ear and offer advice or support. Get involved in your school and community, make friends, and help your neighbors. A little bit of support can be a great relief for families who may feel stressed or isolated.

Setting rules and boundaries build great childhoods Every parent knows the stress of a crying baby, misbehaving toddler or limit-pushing school-age child. When parents set and enforce family rules, appropriately manage expectations, and better understand their children’s capabilities at their ages and stages of life, misbehavior decreases and family stress goes down.

#GreatChildhoods scChildren.org/CAPmonth

A Childs Haven, Inc.

20 Martin Drive, Greenville, SC 29617 | 864-298-0025 | www.achildshaven.org

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

EVENT SPOTLIGHT:

A Child's Haven serves preschool aged children who are developmentally delayed because of limited resources, abuse, or neglect, and provides support and education for their families and/or custodial caregivers. We prepare the child for successful integration into Kindergarten, and work with their families to become involved and effective parents.

Be a Part of the Movement-Grow Healthy Together April 15, 2016 | 3:00-5:00PM | Open to the public

HOW A CHILD’S HAVEN PREVENTS CHILD ABUSE: In addition to providing daily therapeutic and clinical services to preschool aged children who are developmentally delayed and from low income families, our staff is trained to identify early signs of abuse, or impending abuse. The parents of our children participate in weekly parenting classes at our facility that teach positive parenting skills. Our Family Support Counselors also conduct weekly in-home visits to support our therapeutic services for the children, and reinforce the techniques taught in parenting classes.

Families will transplant vegetable plants in pots to take home. Healthy eating tips and simple recipes that children can help make at home will be available.

Volunteers working this event will discuss how fun parent-child activities help with building protective factors within the family and support healthy relationships.

This summer, imaginations take ffllight.

Now Enrolling!

Experience the excitement of our Summer Adventure Club where imaginations are free to run wild. Get ready for engineering design challenges, discoveries, outdoor exploration and more. It’s going to be one epic summer. Fun for ages 5 – 10.*

Learn more at PrimroseSummer.com.

Register today! Space is limited.

Primrose School of Greenville 404 Houston St | Greenville, SC 29601 864.370.8118 | PrimroseGreenville.com Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a trademark of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2016 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. *Ages for Summer Adventure Club programs vary by location.

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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – scChildren.org/CAPmonthGreenville

Bob Jones University Teacher Education Division 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC 29614 | 864-370-1800 | www.bju.edu

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION: E. North Street Mathematics and Science and Hollis Academies are Greenville County Title 1 schools each serving about 600 4k-5th graders in the downtown area. These schools also serve as clinical sites for Bob Jones University's Teacher Education Division. BJU is a private, non-denominational Christian University, serving almost 3,000 students from all over the world. In particular, BJU’s Early Childhood Education Department prepares childcare professionals and licensed early childhood educators to work with young children and families in a variety of educational and faithbased contexts. Together these partner schools will be hosting a Pinwheel for Prevention event at ENSA.

HOW BOB JONES UNIVERSITY TEACHER EDUCATION DIVISION PREVENTS CHILD ABUSE: ENSA and Hollis Academies provide teachers and students with abuse/ prevention training in a variety of ways throughout the year, including faculty professional development and focused lessons in the classroom.

BJU provides Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children EAST NORTH STREET MATHEMATICS training to all AND SCIENCE ACADEMY early childhood majors annually and partner with Greenville County School social workers for additional training in mandatory reporting. Early Childhood Education (ECE) majors complete over 300 serviceHOLLIS ACADEMY learning hours in various local nonprofit programs and help host Greenville’s ECE event, Picnic in the Park.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: !ESTAMOS TODOS JUNTOS EN ESTO April 18, 2016 | 6:00-7:00PM | Open to the public WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: !ESTAMOS TODOS JUNTOS EN ESTO! E. North Street Academy and BJU will host a PTA Prevention Event at ENSA. The evening will feature a bilingual, abuse-prevention presentation, pinwheel activities for families, and free children's books for attendees.

DON'T FORGET TO

ON APRIL 8TH -- IT’S WEAR BLUE DAY!

SCAEYC Celebrates our Youngest Learners during Week of the Young Child and all year!

Special section provided by Greenville First Steps – www.greenvillefirststeps.org

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Greenville First Steps

24 Cleveland St., Greenville, SC 29601 | 864-239-3720 | www.greenvillefirststeps.org

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION: Greenville First Steps, the organization behind the scenes of Greenville's Child Abuse Prevention Month awareness campaign, is a local G R E E N V I L L E C O U N T Y nonprofit that uses state, federal, and private funds to support programs to measurably improve school readiness outcomes for children. We achieve this goal by partnering with public and private organizations (including childcare providers, churches, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses). Our goal is to support families as their child's first and most important teacher.

HOW GREENVILLE FIRST STEPS PREVENTS CHILD ABUSE:

Presents

KIDS FEST @ Heritage Green April 9, 2016 10am-12pm

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Kids Fest at Heritage Green April 9, 2016 | 10:00am-12:00pm | Open to the public As we celebrate the Week of the Young Child, Kids Fest at Heritage Green is an opportunity for families with children 1-5 to join the entities of Heritage Green for fun, age appropriate activities.

Greenville First Steps strives to increase opportunities for families to better understand how to best care for their children. Parents who better understand what to expect from their child and how to handle parenting problems are more likely to create strong, nurturing homes. We provide financial supports for many parenting and family strengthening programs like Little Steps and Nurse Family Partnership.

D R E G N A ________________________________ E B E ______________________________________ Y M A _____________________________________ G N R I P S _________________________________ H S S N I E U N _____________________________ Y B N U N _________________________________ C A M H R _________________________________ E D E S ____________________________________ P A Y H P __________________________________

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – scChildren.org/CAPmonthGreenville

APRIL BEE BLOOM BUNNY BUTTERFLY FLOWER GARDEN GREEN HAPPY MARCH MAY RAIN RAINBOW SEED SPRING SUNSHINE TULIP UMBRELLA

Fingerprint Flowers

Itsy Bitsy Spider Stick Puppets

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy having lunch on the Green!

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Sensory Bins

Dress Up Like Junie B. Jones

SPRING WORD SCRAMBLE W B N I A O R _____________________________ B L L A M U R E ____________________________ W F L O R E ________________________________ P L I T U ___________________________________ N E R G E __________________________________ M L O B O _________________________________ P L R I A ___________________________________ L F B T U T R E Y ___________________________ N I A R ____________________________________

Face Painting

Hand Painted Garden Rocks

Gilmore Prep Academy

1271 S Suber Rd., Suite B, Greer, SC 29650 | 864-655-5845 | www.gilmoreprep.com

BEAR LOVES HONEY

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

He lp Be ar f ind his way to Be e and t he h one y.

Gilmore Prep Academy is a preschool for early childhood literacy for 3, 4, and 5 year old children and an afterschool program for K/5-fifth grade students. We are dedicated to partnering with parents and providing quality instruction in a nurturing environment. We serve approximately 50 families.

Start

HOW GILMORE PREP ACADEMY PREVENTS CHILD ABUSE: We participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month awareness every year, and provide parents with information about academic and/or social issues their child may experience.

End CorleyAd_childabuseprevention_F.pdf 1 3/11/2016 10:18:55 AM

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Family Fun Day April 16, 2016 | 4:00-6:00pm | Open to the public There will be various stations set up that families can re-create at their homes. These activities can foster a great bonding experience. The activities are as follows: Wii Station, Lego Station, Board Games, and Arts and Crafts, and Reading Corner. Food and drinks will be provided.

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Thank you to Augusta Heights Baptist Church for sponsoring the pinwheels for the 3rd Annual Walk for Prevention.

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www.augustaheights.com 3018 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605 Special section provided by Greenville First Steps – www.greenvillefirststeps.org

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Julie Valentine Center

2905 White Horse Rd., Greenville, SC 29611 | 864-301-0560 | www.julievalentinecenter.org

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION: The Mission of Julie Valentine Center is to stop sexual violence and child abuse and the impact of these crimes through prevention, collaboration, treatment and advocacy.

There are three overarching goals of JVC services: to provide services that stop child abuse and sexual assault before it happens; to reduce trauma and reestablish safety for victims and their families; and to engage survivors in the healing process through compassionate, comprehensive treatment.

All services are offered at no cost to clients. JVC provides services in three core program areas: rape crisis, prevention and education, and child advocacy.

HOW THE JULIE VALENTINE CENTER PREVENTS CHILD ABUSE: Services are provided for children and families through JVC's nationally accredited Children’s Advocacy Center. JVC provides a child and family friendly environment that promotes a multidisciplinary approach to assessment, intervention and treatment of child abuse and other related trauma. JVC provides forensic medical exams, forensic interviews, individual and family therapy, support and therapy groups, and intensive case management for non- offending caregivers through the Family Advocate program. Education and prevention programs are conducted in Greenville County schools, churches, daycare centers, and public and private agencies each year. Parent support and education groups are provided for families in multiple community sites.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: JVC My Hero Challenge April 1st-30th | Open to the public

God made the world so broad and grand, Filled with blessings from his hand.

He made the sky so high and blue, And all the little children, too.

– Anonymous 8

Children will create a drawing of “My Hero.” Participants will upload a picture of their drawing to the JVC Facebook page using #JVCmyherochallenge and #CAPmonthGreenville (Participants must like the JVC Facebook page to enter the contest). Entries will be divided into three age groups. Winners will receive a family fun package.

For more information, please visit www.pelhamroad.org 1108 Pelham Road Greenville, SC 29615 Church: 864-288-3283 CDC: 864-288-7674

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – scChildren.org/CAPmonthGreenville

Small Impressions Child Development Center

4514 Old Spartanburg Rd., Taylors, SC 29697 | 864-609-5099 | www.smallimpressionscdc.org

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION: Our mission is to educate, motivate, and accelerate children to a higher standard of learning by exposing and engaging them in age appropriate experiences that will assist with shaping who they are and who they will become as an adult. We are committed to working closely with parents, guardians, and family members toward the welfare of the whole family.

HOW SMALL IMPRESSIONS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER PREVENTS CHILD ABUSE: Small Impressions serves as a social service connector for the families of the students enrolled. We service the family as a whole not just the students. We utilize relationships in the social services arena to ensure that there are no obstacles placed in the lives of the children and their parents to prevent them from maximizing their academic potential and living situation. Whether it is assisting parents with obtaining employment, shelter, medical insurance, child care vouchers, attending appointments with parent to see medical professionals, or attending school conferences with parents.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Reformatting the Mind April 22, 2016 | 6:30pm | Open to the public We seek to use this program to bring families together-under one roof-regardless of age, race, or socio-economic status. It’s not the single mother’s problem. And it’s not the overworked grandparents’ problem. If one child is hurt unnecessarily, it is everyone’s problem. “Reformatting The Mind,” will be an informative, handson program that illustrates not only does child abuse have a face, it often has preventative measures. Each speaker will take key trigger areas, and provide the group with scenarios, techniques, and information that will help decrease the instances of child abuse.

Special section provided by Greenville First Steps – www.greenvillefirststeps.org

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YouthBASE

813 Hampton Ave., Greenville, SC 29601 | 864-520-1301 | www.youth-base.org

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION: YouthBASE offers an afterschool and summer program program for at-riskchildren in grades K-5 - 2nd grades who are below grade level and have been identified as having behavior, academic, social and/or emotional needs. The children attend our neighborhood schools and are recommended by their teachers. They attend free of charge and transportation is provided. During the school year, the children receive help on their homework, tutoring in math and reading, and go on weekly field trips. YouthBASE provides a monthly “Family Night” and parent engagement programs including weekly English classes for parents and neighborhood residents.

HOW YOUTHBASE PREVENTS CHILD ABUSE: YouthBASE offers parent and family engagement programs based on The Strengthening Families Approach and 5 Protective Factors. The understanding is that strong families build strong children. Our programs are designed to increase family time and provide parenting information and support to parents. YouthBASE staff works hard to build relationships with parents to encourage open communication so if there is an issue at home we can quickly connect them with community organizations and resources that can help.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Family Celebration April 23, 2016 | 2:00-4:00pm | Open to the public Our Family Celebration is open to our YouthBASE families as well as our neighbors in our Southernside neighborhood. We welcome children of all ages, and request that they be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children and parents will have fun participating in our activities together. YouthBASE’s Family Celebration will be a time for families to have fun together. There will be community organizations represented and activities such as MobiRec truck, a book giveaway, Cake Walk, and prizes. Our goal is to engage parents and their children as they learn about strengthening their families.

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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – scChildren.org/CAPmonthGreenville

What Role Can I Possibly Play in Child Abuse Prevention? security of children are also at risk.

Every child deserves a great childhood. We can all agree on this. But if you’re not abusing or neglecting your own children, you’re probably wondering why “prevention messaging” is relevant to you. Besides, you’re busy with your own work and family responsibilities. How do you have the time or expertise to help prevent child abuse?

When the bills are piling up and the baby is crying.

When the creditors won’t stop calling and the kids won’t stop fighting.

When the bank is threatening foreclosure and the toddler just threw shoes in the toilet.

There are families in need all around you. Don’t let their social status fool you. Any family can be one job loss or one costly emergency away from dire financial straits and the stress that results.

Your questions and reservations are valid. Your intentions are good. Your heart feels compassion for those in need. So how can someone like you make a difference when you’re already stretched thin and unsure of how you can help?

At Pickens County First Steps, we want to empower regular people like you and me toward everyday intention. We don’t believe that child abuse prevention should be a separate part of our lives. Rather, we believe that difference making should be woven into the fabric of our everyday rhythms.

Here are THREE simple and meaningful ways that YOU can help prevent child abuse, right where you are.

1. PAY ATTENTION. That mom in the grocery store at 5:30 pm with four kids and circles under her eyes?

She’s running on fumes. The daily grind is hard enough without a toddler falling apart in the checkout line. Too much stress, in the form of sleep-deprivation, financial hardship, and family instability can push even a loving parent to snap.

But what if you could be the unexpected grace that steadies a stressed-out parent and helps them survive the day? Yes, you. It begins with noticing her.

Buy a cold Dr. Pepper from the checkout cooler and say something like, “I bet it’s been a long day. Take it, I insist. You’re doing an awesome job, keeping your family fed and corralling these energetic kids. Deep breaths.

You’re gonna make it.”

There are countless ways this scenario might play out across your community but they

all have the same simple tasks in common — paying attention and offering practical kindness. Your compassion may provide the crucial pause a frazzled parent needs to keep calm and carry on.

2. TAKE A MEAL TO A NEW MOM.

Do you have resources that can ease someone’s burden? What you deem disposable, another family receives as essential – the clothes your child has outgrown, the gently used sofa you just replaced, non-perishables in your pantry. If you don’t know of someone, ask your school, church, or after-school program.

Every new parent is vulnerable to breakdown, particularly if the baby cries excessively or doesn’t sleep. When parents experience inordinate stress, chronic exhaustion, or postpartum depression, they’re far more prone to striking out at their children.

These are right-now ways to give what you already have to lighten the load of a burdened parent. And if you’re able to give in other ways, whether it’s a grocery store gift card or paying someone’s utility bill, do it.

We need look no further than the local news to see tragic stories that take place in our own community. Perhaps we need look no further than our own experience of being so exhausted and frustrated, we have to walk away or leave the house for a bit to keep from hurting a child we love. New parents are weary. And single parents are particularly at risk. This is why we need one another.

Meals may seem like a small gesture but they pay huge dividends to the new mom and her family.

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3. YOU HAVE WHAT SOMEONE ELSE NEEDS. GIVE GENEROUSLY. Parents both above and below the poverty line suffer from financial stress that piles on top of everyday burdens, threatening the stability of their family and the stability of their emotional health. When that happens, the safety and

Prevent Child Abuse America reminds us of this: “Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the isolation and stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.”

As you strive to provide great childhoods for those in your own family, don’t neglect the great childhoods waiting to bloom all around you. Simple gestures matter. So pay attention, make an extra casserole, and give away what you already have. YOU can make a difference, right where you are.

Visit our blog at www.pickenscountyfirststeps. org/blog for regular encouragement on how you can nurture the young children in your life!

By Marian Vischer, Communications Coordinator, Pickens County First Steps

Special section provided by Greenville First Steps – www.greenvillefirststeps.org

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Be a part of building great childhoods.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Walk for Prevention Presented by Augusta Heights Baptist Church Celebrating April - Child Abuse Prevention Month Sunday April 24th 2:00pm Starting at First Baptist Church-Greenville Suggested $10 donation Register at http://2016WalkforPrevention.kintera.org @CAPmonthGvl

GREENVILLE COUNTY