Downtown Clarkesville is ‘blue’ this month, raising awareness for a good cause. The city wrapped strands of blue lights around lamp posts in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The blue lights are in addition to the traditional blue pinwheels that have been used for years signifying efforts to stop child abuse.
Why blue?
The color blue was first used in association with child abuse prevention in 1989 by a Virginia grandmother whose grandson was killed by his mother’s boyfriend. Bonnie Finney, of Norfolk, tied a blue ribbon on the antenna of her minivan in remembrance of her late grandson and as a signal to her community that child abuse is a devastating social plague.
According to an article from the PA Family Support Alliance, “Finney said she was thinking about all the bruises she had seen on her grandchildren and decided to tie a blue ribbon on her van. She said she intended to never forget the battered, bruised bodies of her grandchildren and used the color blue as a reminder to fight for protection of children.”
That one simple act, born of immense heartache, inspired a national movement. Today, Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed in communities across the country.
The Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia, based in Clarkesville, is overseeing the local observance. The Center, which formerly operated as Prevent Child Abuse Habersham, works throughout the year to protect children and promote families. They do this, says board member Lisa Nicholson, by “getting into the homes and educating parents, giving them the resources they need to raise their families, live healthier lives, and build their life skills.”
FRC programs and staff serve residents of Habersham, Stephens, and White counties. They offer parenting classes, counseling, child abuse prevention training, and more. The Center also offers transportation so that its programs and resources are accessible to those who need them.
Anyone interested in learning more about FRC is invited to attend an open house at the center from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14. The Family Resource Center is located at 122 Laurel Drive in Clarkesville.
