By Nicole Collado
Plattsburgh, N.Y. – With blue and sliver pinwheels in hand, the Plattsburgh
community came together the morning of April 23 rd for the second annual Prevent
Child Abuse Walk.
The inside circumference of the Plattsburgh State field house track was set
up with tables from local organizations like Adirondack Helping Hands, The Child
Care Council of the North Country, Healthy Families New York, and the Joint Council
for Economic Opportunities. Along with pamphlets and resource information for
parents and guardians, there were coloring and play stations for the children who
attended the event.
SUNY Plattsburgh’s Human Development and Family Relations Student
Organization organized this year’s walk in conjunction with the Phi Upsilon
Omicron National Honor Society.
HDFR is geared toward anyone who desires to work in the human services
profession. Kenneth Koleman treasurer for the HDFR student organization at
Plattsburgh State said, “By doing this walk and raising money, were coming together
as a campus and community to help combat this issue.” Koleman continued on,
“Many of us have taken a class called Child Abuse and Neglect. This course opened
my eyes to the hardships children face everyday.”
Koleman is currently a junior and hopes to work in law or health
administration.
As a family support worker for Healthy Families New York, Kathryn Girard
goes to the homes of families who needed guidance and support in hopes of
bettering their families wants and needs.
Girard said: “Child abuse is a very real issue. While many homes I’ve visited
just wanted outside support and community outreach, some of them showed
serious signs of child neglect. It’s heartbreaking to see but I’m glad I’ve been able to
help make a difference in those children’s lives.”
After stopping to take a group picture in front of a “help stop child abuse”
sign, Alexis Vetro president of Sigma Delta Tau sorority said, “There was no way that
we were going to miss this walk.” Prevent Child Abuse America is Sigma Delta Tau’s
national philanthropy, and they put on events throughout the school year in support
of PCAA.
“We’re always doing our best to raise awareness and support. PCAA is a
cause that we hold close to our hearts, and they’ve don’t a great job with combining
information and fun at this year’s walk,” Vetro said.
Working the helping hands coloring station, Christina Rodriguez, a
graduating senior in the HDFR program said, “It’s amazing to see all of these people
show up to support a cause that’s so meaningful. Getting support workers in the
homes of children in need is so important and we’re helping do just that.”
The walk raised an estimated $900 and all proceeds will be donated to PCAA.
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