In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month White Sands Missile Range Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, left, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan, right, signed a proclamation April 6 at Army Community Service to show their commitment to providing a safe environment for children. Also pictured is Amanda A. Carreras, Family Advocacy Program Manager at Army Community Service, center.
Photo by Jose Salazar
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month
In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month, the White Sands Missile Range Command team signed a proclamation April 6 at Army Community Service to show their commitment to providing a safe environment for children.
WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Little, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan signed the proclamation to kick off the month of events.
Amanda A. Carreras, Family Advocacy Program Manager at Army Community Service, said the Army 2023 theme is “MilParents Rock”.
"This event was held to honor the lives of those we’ve lost to intentional child abuse and neglect. Let’s be reminded of the ever so sensitive matter, in which, the topic of child abuse and neglect exists,” Carreras said. "We each have a role to play as we work together to protect the most vulnerable population among us."
The event was marked with a prayer vigil attended by the WSMR community to honor the lives of those who have lost their lives due to child abuse and neglect and to bring awareness to the community. The prayer invocation was led by WSMR RSO Staff Sgt. Tekeia Wallace, followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of these children.
"Among many, risk factors that significantly impact our home here at White Sands Missile Range are marital conflict, domestic violence, unemployment, and deployments," Carreras said.
Here are the remaining events scheduled for this month as the campaign continues.
WSMR Family Connect Group
Who: WSMR Community
What: Support Group
When: April 11, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Where: MS Teams- virtual
Why: To provide education on child abuse/neglect and problem sexual behaviors in children and youth.
“Building Resiliency in our Children"
Who: WSMR Community
What: Parenting/Life-Skills Class
When: April 13, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Where: ACS Training Room Building 250
Why: To coach, mentor, support, educate, and build resilience among family members. A strong family dynamic decreases the risk of violence.
Army "Go Blue Day"
Who: WSMR Community
What: Wear blue attire
When: April 18, 2023
Where: WSMR
Why: This day is nationally recognized in the Army as one to provide community awareness and educate others about child abuse and neglect by encouraging people to wear the color blue.
Building Rock-Solid Families
Who: WSMR Community
What: Panel Discussion- Guest Speakers include Law Enforcement, NM Children, Youth and Families Department, La Pinon Child Advocacy Center
When: April 25, 2023, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: Professional Development Center Building 465/Auditorium
Why: The FAP Campaign is designed to provide outreach and materials that help parents increase their knowledge of positive parenting, child development, available resources, and coping strategies. By providing them with community and peer support, we are providing Parents with tools to rock their parenting journey. "MilParents Rock" is the 2023 theme; therefore, what better way to offer families support to thrive then to be given by the first responders and subject matter experts.
By Miriam Rodriguez
WSMR Public Affairs