BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Spinning blades of blue will flutter in the April breeze during the Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month of April.
Organizers with Clarkston Area Youth Assistance (CAYA) hope to provide 1,000 blue pinwheels to businesses, community groups, and residents to put in gardens, front windows, and other displays around the area.
Pinwheels represent the free spirit of a happy childhood, said Debbie Wertz of CAYA.
“The pinwheels are beautiful. They make a real, visual statement,” Wertz said. “”Last year was fantastic. We had an amazing response from the community. It shows a visible commitment to preventing child abuse, and shows support by the community.”
“Pinwheels are an uplifting symbol, that every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood,” said Judy Parnes, pinwheel committee member. “The people of Clarkston really step up. It’s refreshing in this day and age, everybody comes together. It’s a wonderful thing.”
The Pinwheels for Prevention Gardens drive kicks off on March 31 at the Clarkston Mills, 20 W. Washington Street, where Peg Roth and Clarkston Retailers Group are working to sign up local businesses for the pinwheel drive.
Volunteers are needed to help box and deliver orders to local businesses, community groups, and residents, Parnes said.
CAYA programs to strengthen youth and families, and prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency, neglect, and abuse, are community- and volunteer-based and developed by local residents. The Circuit Court provides a professional staff member to work with the volunteers and to provide direct casework services to individual families.
“A lot of families are struggling,” Wertz said. “Prevention and awareness is key – we need more awareness at all levels.”
CAYA provides short-term youth and family casework services to families referred by schools, law enforcement, parents, community agencies, and concerned citizens. Services are voluntary and confidential, and include a family assessment, counseling, and referrals for resources.
The non-profit community service organization also offers scholarships for day and overnight camps to children who would otherwise not have the opportunity. Camp provides activities which promote teamwork and social skills. Based on financial need, scholarships are offered for community and school-related activities in education, music, sports, and art.
Homework club volunteer tutors offer help with homework or specific needs for K-12th grade students and is located in Bridgewater Park Apartments. In Mentors Plus, a volunteer mentor is paired with a child for a one-year commitment.
CAYA’s annual youth recognition event honors youth who have made contributions to the community in volunteerism, behavior, academic efforts/improvements, and/or citizenship without compensation.
Family education programs and workshops are offered to promote family growth and strengthening relationships. Expert knowledge is offered in a variety of topics to enable parents and/or children to acquire knowledge and skills in various areas of need.
CAYA is sponsored by the Oakland County Circuit Court Family Division, Clarkston Community Schools, Independence Township, Springfield Township, and City of the Village of Clarkston, with additional funding from grants, donations, and local fundraising.
A professional development workshop with training and information for medical and dental professionals, mandatory reporters of child abuse, will be on May 12, 8-9 p.m., at Clarkston Independence District Library. They’re also planning workshops for teachers and parents.
Volunteer opportunities also include organizing, setting up, and working events,CAYA Board of Directors, committee, and participating in CAYA events.
Call the CAYA office at 248-623-4313 for more information. Check their Facebook page for questions for children, ways to strengthen families, reach out to neighbors, and give families with children support, and resources to reduce neglect and abuse.