By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News
April is an important month for child advocacy groups, such as the widely respected local organization Butterfly Bridge.
The month of April ushers in child abuse awareness, a domestic issue that is not easy to solve. In fact, funds to help prevent the problem can be sparse, which can lead to a lack of proper resolution in many instances.
Luckily, Autauga and Elmore county agencies are coming together to help mitigate cases of child abuse by raising awareness through a myriad of events this upcoming April.
On April 1st, Butterfly Bridge will be partnering with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to throw an “Axe Out Child Abuse” event at Prattville Axe.
A percentage of the sales from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. with go to towards Butterfly Bridge to help their efforts to ensure that every child in central Alabama has a loving home.
“Abuse does happen on a daily basis, and events like this are some of the first steps that we can take to help prevent it from happening,” said Emily Hutcheson, Assistant Director for the Autauga/Elmore Butterfly Bridge satellite locations.
That same day, Butterfly Bridge will be partnering with the Family Support Center with their “Kick off Against Child Abuse Month” event which will feature Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie signing an anti-abuse proclamation.
Merrill Carroll, Director at the Family Support Center, is excited about the prospect of raising awareness.
“This type of event is something that we like to do every year, because child abuse is 100 percent preventable. These children need someone to step up and speak for them. They need a voice and we’re here to help them do just that,” Carroll said.
Furthermore, on April 2nd, Butterfly Bridge will continue their campaign into Elmore County as they are partnering with Alabama Department of Human Resources, the Elmore County Extension Office, and the Alabama Parent Education Center for another child abuse prevention kick-off event.
Judge Patrick Pinkston will be signing the declaration that afternoon.
“We want to stay as involved with our communities that we possibly can, and that starts with events like these. We like to call them ‘give back days’,” Hutcheson said.
If anyone is interested in helping to donate to Butterfly Bridge, contact their office 334-356-3632 or check out their Facebook page for more information.
Those wanting a spot for the event at Prattville Axe will also need to call ahead of time. You can reach them at 334-430-1989 or can register at http://www.butterflybridgecac.org/?fbclid=IwAR1LrdjEB1HQm8mBSMVjX4LpQvU6N3JldSIdZDjZDleqVYQ9DqZ-wFR4SMY
