Lawson

THOMASVILLE —The groups of whirling, bright-blue pinwheels arranged on lawns around the city are not springtime decorations.

Blue is the color for child abuse awareness. The symbol of child abuse prevention is the blue pinwheel.

“The pinwheel is a symbol of hope, safety, health and most importantly — happiness,” said Jackla Lawson, The Treehouse Children’s Advocacy Center of Thomas County executive director. “It symbolizes our efforts to change the way our community thinks about child abuse prevention.”

The Treehouse staff “planted” a pinwheel garden at the 510 Gordon Ave. agency to show support of all Thomas County children.

“Shining in the sun, pinwheels represent a bright future for our children. We want all children to live in a stable, safe and loving environment at home, at school and in our community,” Lawson said.

A ceremony Monday at 4 p.m. at The Treehouse will kick off Child Abuse Awareness Month by bringing the community together to remember child victims and to commit to protecting children.

The Treehouse is a nonprofit Children’s Advocacy Center serving child victims of sexual and physical abuse, severe neglect and children who witness a violent crime. All services provided by The Treehouse are at no cost to children and their families.

The center provides a safe, comfortable environment for children to give statements about abuse allegations. The Treehouse staff works with local law enforcement, the Department of Family and Children’s Services and the district attorney’s office to provide forensic interviews, forensic medical exams and advocacy services necessary for child abuse and sexual assault investigations. 

“We follow the team approach to child abuse cases to ensure all needs of children and their families are met during the investigation, as well as when prosecution is complete,” Lawson said.

Lawson suggested the following ways to promote Child Abuse Awareness Month:

• Plant a pinwheel garden.

• Wear blue each Friday.

• Like and share Facebook posts by The Treehouse.

• Attend the Monday pinwheel ceremony.

• Host a free lunch-and-learn for your office or group.

• Schedule child sexual abuse prevention training.

• Make a donation supporting free forensic services for children.

Pinwheel gardens are available for a $25 donation. Contact thetreehousecac@gmail.com.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820