Medina County residents walk to prevent child abuse
Pinwheel Walk sheds light on abuse cases
The participants walked from Public Square to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where they planted the pinwheels they received at the square into the ground. A total of 466 pinwheels were placed, each representing a child abuse case in Medina County in 2016. Photo by SCOTT KRISKA
MEDINA – Many local residents gathered at Public Square April 23 to recognize an epidemic in Medina County and across the country.
The Children’s Center of Medina County held its third annual Community Pinwheel Walk to Prevent Child Abuse, which featured several speakers, a walk to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on East Washington Street and the planting of pinwheels into the ground outside the church. Up to 466 pinwheels were planted outside the church, each representing a child abuse case that was opened in Medina County in 2016.
Children’s Center executive director Rhonda Wurgler said before the Pinwheel Walk got started, the center held an annual open house for the public, but three years ago, one problem prevented them from opening their doors for that event.
“Three years ago, we had a plumbing issue and couldn’t hold the open house,” she recalled.
That was when the staff of the Children’s Center coordinated the Pinwheel Walk to St. Francis Xavier Church.
Everyone who registered for this year’s walk received a pinwheel for them to plant into the ground outside the church. Wurgler said while 466 child abuse and neglect cases were opened in the county last year, many more calls of such incidents were received by Medina County Job and Family Services.
“Last year, CPS (Child Protective Services) received more than 2,000 calls of suspected abuse,” she explained.
This year’s event started with several speakers at the gazebo at the square. Mayor Dennis Hanwell presented Wurgler with a proclamation acknowledging the Children’s Center and its services to the county. Medina County Commissioner Adam Friedrick also presented a proclamation declaring April 2017 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the county. Sen. Larry Obhof and Rep. Steve Hambley also took the microphone discussing the center and the community’s efforts to combat child abuse and neglect.
Another speaker, Amy Barnes, also addressed the public, sharing her story of childhood experiences of physical and sexual abuse and her message of hope for abuse victims.
“I’ve known Amy for a while and wanted her to speak this year,” Wurgler said. “She’s never told her story before and wants children who are being abused to know there is hope.”
Wurgler also took a moment to honor Children’s Center founder Louise Brown, who passed away in December 2016. Additionally, Wurgler said, Brown worked for Job and Family Services for almost 20 years and was actively involved with Project: LEARN and other community organizations. Wurgler explained four benches at Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park in Granger Township will be dedicated in Brown’s memory.
After all of the speakers gave their presentations, the community members walked from Public Square to St. Francis Xavier Church, where they planted the pinwheels into the grass. The participants then walked back to the square, where they were treated to free food. A raffle was also available for those in attendance to play.
Of the 466 investigations into abuse and neglect conducted here last year, 66 were considered sexual abuse cases, according to Shannon Collins, an advocate working at the Children’s Center.
“Many people believe that it is not their business to become involved but, in fact, it is everyone’s responsibility to protect our community’s children. They deserve to grow into healthy adults.” said Wurgler. “A child is abused or neglected every 30 minutes in Ohio. It is devastating and preventable so we hope to increase awareness and encourage our community to work together to find solutions and end child abuse.”
Medina County commissioners lent their support to the effort by adopting a resolution designating April Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.
The resolution stated, in part: “Child abuse and neglect not only directly harms children, but also increases the likelihood of long-term physical and mental health problems, alcohol and substance abuse, continued family violence and criminal behavior. Child abuse and neglect can be reduced by making sure each family has the support it needs in raising children in a safe, nurturing environment and Medina County remains steadfast in its commitments to the safety and securing of our children and families.”
Wurger said she strongly urges anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected to report it. The Children’s Center of Medina County can be reached at 330-764-8891.
The Children’s Center of Medina County held its third annual Community Pinwheel Walk to Prevent Child Abuse, which featured several speakers, a walk to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on East Washington Street and the planting of pinwheels into the ground outside the church. Up to 466 pinwheels were planted outside the church, each representing a child abuse case that was opened in Medina County in 2016.
Children’s Center executive director Rhonda Wurgler said before the Pinwheel Walk got started, the center held an annual open house for the public, but three years ago, one problem prevented them from opening their doors for that event.
“Three years ago, we had a plumbing issue and couldn’t hold the open house,” she recalled.
That was when the staff of the Children’s Center coordinated the Pinwheel Walk to St. Francis Xavier Church.
Everyone who registered for this year’s walk received a pinwheel for them to plant into the ground outside the church. Wurgler said while 466 child abuse and neglect cases were opened in the county last year, many more calls of such incidents were received by Medina County Job and Family Services.
“Last year, CPS (Child Protective Services) received more than 2,000 calls of suspected abuse,” she explained.
This year’s event started with several speakers at the gazebo at the square. Mayor Dennis Hanwell presented Wurgler with a proclamation acknowledging the Children’s Center and its services to the county. Medina County Commissioner Adam Friedrick also presented a proclamation declaring April 2017 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the county. Sen. Larry Obhof and Rep. Steve Hambley also took the microphone discussing the center and the community’s efforts to combat child abuse and neglect.
Another speaker, Amy Barnes, also addressed the public, sharing her story of childhood experiences of physical and sexual abuse and her message of hope for abuse victims.
“I’ve known Amy for a while and wanted her to speak this year,” Wurgler said. “She’s never told her story before and wants children who are being abused to know there is hope.”
Wurgler also took a moment to honor Children’s Center founder Louise Brown, who passed away in December 2016. Additionally, Wurgler said, Brown worked for Job and Family Services for almost 20 years and was actively involved with Project: LEARN and other community organizations. Wurgler explained four benches at Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park in Granger Township will be dedicated in Brown’s memory.
After all of the speakers gave their presentations, the community members walked from Public Square to St. Francis Xavier Church, where they planted the pinwheels into the grass. The participants then walked back to the square, where they were treated to free food. A raffle was also available for those in attendance to play.
Of the 466 investigations into abuse and neglect conducted here last year, 66 were considered sexual abuse cases, according to Shannon Collins, an advocate working at the Children’s Center.
“Many people believe that it is not their business to become involved but, in fact, it is everyone’s responsibility to protect our community’s children. They deserve to grow into healthy adults.” said Wurgler. “A child is abused or neglected every 30 minutes in Ohio. It is devastating and preventable so we hope to increase awareness and encourage our community to work together to find solutions and end child abuse.”
Medina County commissioners lent their support to the effort by adopting a resolution designating April Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.
The resolution stated, in part: “Child abuse and neglect not only directly harms children, but also increases the likelihood of long-term physical and mental health problems, alcohol and substance abuse, continued family violence and criminal behavior. Child abuse and neglect can be reduced by making sure each family has the support it needs in raising children in a safe, nurturing environment and Medina County remains steadfast in its commitments to the safety and securing of our children and families.”
Wurger said she strongly urges anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected to report it. The Children’s Center of Medina County can be reached at 330-764-8891.