April News 2025

April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to emphasize that no child should ever endure the trauma of abuse or neglect. Education and awareness are vital in preventing future occurrences. Our efforts in raising awareness about trauma and poverty actively inform parents and community professionals about adverse childhood experiences children may face, including abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

In 2023, 99 youth in Whitfield County were confirmed as victims of child abuse and neglect, while the state of Georgia reported a total of 11,313 victims. In contrast, Whitfield County had 88 confirmed victims in 2022, compared to Georgia's total of 11,295 that year.

The Family Support Council has launched its annual "Heroes Against Child Abuse" Fundraiser. Local businesses, schools, and agencies contribute by purchasing pinwheels, which are displayed in front of schools or businesses to symbolize the bright futures all children deserve. As you move through the community, notice these poignant reminders.

This month, take the opportunity to enhance your professional knowledge by exploring child abuse prevention trainings or topics geared towards strengthening families. Consider registering for a Prevention Palooza training and plan to attend our April Collaborative Meeting at City Hall, featuring the Family Support Council’s Pinwheel for Prevention Ceremony.

The Community Pre-Kindergarten Registration event occurred from Tuesday, March 18th to Wednesday, March 19th at the Mack Gaston Community Center. A total of 785 children were registered for either the Georgia Pre-K Program or the Head Start Program across the three agencies. Dalton Public Schools registered 282 children, Whitfield County Schools registered 398, and the Family Resource Agency registered 114! Families will be informed of their Pre-K placements by DPS and WCS during the week of April 18th, while the Family Resource Agency will reach out in late June or July.

Over 12 vendors participated in the event, providing valuable information about community resources. Every child left with a book donated by Believe Greater Dalton and United Way of NWGA, a PBS Workbook donated by Engineered Floors, and additional goodies from the vendors! The event was a tremendous success, serving as a fantastic opportunity to prepare children for school and set them up for success.

We warmly invite you to join us on April 8th at 11 AM at Stage 123, located at 123 W. Gordon Street, as we celebrate Believe Greater Dalton's recognition as a Georgia Reads Community Award winner with special guest, Malcolm Mitchell!

Malcolm, a former UGA football star and Super Bowl Champion, is the Founder and CEO of the Share the Magic Foundation. He currently acts as the Georgia Reads Coach for the Georgia Council on Literacy, which honored local partnerships with these awards during Georgia Reads Day at the State Capitol last month. Among his many accolades both on and off the field, Malcolm considers his journey to discovering a passion for reading one of his most significant achievements. We are eager to hear his inspiring story as part of our community celebration!

Out of over 60 applicants across the state, we are proud to be one of only 10 communities to receive this prestigious award! This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts within our community to promote local literacy initiatives, and we encourage everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone next Tuesday!

Every year Dalton/Whitfield Family Connection complies information about local camps and opportunities for children during the summer months. This information is then shared as a resource for families looking for opportunities for their children. If you have a VBS, Summer Camp, or Opportunity you want us to advertise for you, complete this Google Form to provide us with details! Click on the image below to see camp opportunities that have been released to date.

Spotting the Nourishing vs. the Depleting:

Nourishing activities are those delightful little gems that boost your mood, energize you, or bring a sense of calm. Meanwhile, depleting activities are like those pesky mosquitoes that zap your energy, lower your vibe, or ramp up stress.

1. Grab a pen and jot down your daily grind on a piece of paper (think about your usual workday shenanigans). Start with your morning rituals and wrap it up with your bedtime routine.

2. Once your list is ready, give each activity a label: does it make you feel like a superhero (N for Nourishing) or a deflated balloon (D for Depleting)? If it’s a bit of both, slap a B on it. Neutral? Leave it blank!

After this enlightening exercise, you might find you're swimming in a sea of energy-zappers. Time to shake things up by adding more feel-good activities and booting out the heavy lifters.

3. For those energy vampires you can change, ponder: What could I do differently? Some activities may be glued to your schedule, but you can change how you perceive them.

4. For the stubborn depleters you can't swap out, ask yourself:

• a. Is my take on this activity fact or just my opinion?
• b. Is this the voice of... (depression, anxiety, etc.) coloring my view?
• c. How else could I see this?
• d. Does this activity have a deeper purpose?

For more details on this tip of the month, click HERE or on the image.

Pinwheels for Prevention Ceremony

Thursday, April 24th

12:00-1:00

City Hall

Summer Opportunities

Thursday, May 15th

1:00-2:30 pm

Mack Gaston Community Center

One of the programs of Family Support Council is Camp Adventures In Me also known as Camp AIM. For over 30 years, Camp AIM has served as a day camp for children who have experienced sexual abuse in our community. The camp features a comprehensive and structured curriculum that includes stories, group sessions, art, and movement activities focused on issues related to child sexual abuse. This curriculum is enhanced by various creative activities led by trained professionals. All classes are conducted by staff members who specialize in working with children affected by abuse. This structured, group-oriented approach helps children find relief from the traumatic effects of sexual abuse while fostering self-confidence and problem-solving skills. Camp AIM offers the emotional support necessary for children to express their feelings about their abuse in a safe and comfortable environment. At the camp, children dealing with similar abuse issues have the chance to connect and interact with peers who share their experiences. Guided by trained staff, campers learn they are not alone in their struggles, that they can rebuild trust, and most importantly, that the cycle of abuse can be broken.

Camp AIM will be held at Westwood School in Dalton from June 2nd to June 13th, and there is no cost for families. Transportation is typically provided for children residing in Whitfield and Murray Counties, and all meals are included. Many children from grades K-12 could greatly benefit from this camp, which is dedicated to the healing process following trauma, making it crucial for our local partners to refer them to this opportunity. Research has shown that camps like this are rare in our nation, and we are fortunate to offer this service locally. Camp AIM can also accept children from surrounding counties if they can arrange their own transportation.

Children rely on referrals to access this valuable opportunity. If you know of a child who would benefit, please consider discussing it with their family and submitting the referral packet. Deadline for referrals and parent packets is April 15, 2025. Reach out to Mary Smith, AIM Camp Director, with questions marylsmith@windstream.net or by phone (706) 264-4380.

The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy is celebrating Child Abuse Prevention Month with their annual Prevention Palooza. Prevention Palooza consists of GCCA providing several free trainings for professionals and parents during their Annual Prevention Palooza. They have a line up of Guest Speakers for Webinar Wednesdays. In-person classes and virtual options throughout the month. Celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month by strengthening your knowledge and building your own personal capacity! Scan the QR Code or click HERE to see a list of trainings.