{"id":23299,"date":"2022-03-31T13:25:32","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T18:25:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/?p=23299"},"modified":"2023-09-12T15:53:44","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T20:53:44","slug":"blue-bow-statement-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/blue-bow-statement-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue Bow Statement 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Supporting-mentorship-this-month-and-every-month-with-Mentoring.org-12-1024x427.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23305\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/jonathan-borba-Z1Oyw2snqn8-unsplash-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23308\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It\u2019s hard to believe that it\u2019s already spring<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013\u2013<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">though there is still a chill in the air, the bright sun signifies something new is around the corner. This April, we are once again recognizing a very important cause\u2013\u2013Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. The 2022 theme of <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cgrowing a better tomorrow for all children, together\u201d<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> captures the heart of what we all wish to see in this world\u2013\u2013a brighter more equitable future for all families and all communities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Through the incredible partnerships our staff have with families, supporters, and other social service&nbsp;organizations, we are doing our part to equip children, families and their communities so that they can bloom and grow. Here are just a few of the programs we are doing to make this possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Ahlquist-Center-2022-Policy-Priorities.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ahlquist team is working with lawmakers to shed light on the many financial stressors families face<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, including affording diapers, and advocating for expanding cash benefits for families through the Earned Income Credit and a Child Tax Credit.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/fathers-are-essential\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">fatherhood programming<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is making a difference in the lives of more dads\u2013\u2013and their families\u2013\u2013throughout our Metro Chicago, Central and Northern regions.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">We\u2019re providing ongoing, immediate support to families through services like our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/domestic-violence-awareness-month\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">crisis nurseries and the Butterfly Project<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Parents are connecting with each other, learning new skills, and tapping into their respective strengths through programs like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/prevention-with-a-purpose\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Parents Care &amp; Share.<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">We\u2019re adding parent partners, like Greg Cox, to our team to speak about successful reunification with his own children who were part of the child welfare system, so no child is in the system a moment longer than needed. You can hear Greg talk about his experiences at one of three online presentations this April by registering on our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/bluebow\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Blue Bow page<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">And we\u2019re u<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">nlocking greater economic opportunities for hundreds of families in Chicago and Cook County through innovative collaborations like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/this-is-what-opportunity-looks-like\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">2Gen project<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">This is what \u2018doing differently\u2019 looks like in action. <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/markus-spiske-OO89_95aUC0-unsplash-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23307\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We are all watching the conflict in the Ukraine and witnessing entire families uprooted to seek safety, stability, and recognize how many families have gone through the same horrors across the globe in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.  In our own work, we know too what this means for families here. Our Viva home-based Early Head Start program serves newly migrating families coping with challenges which can feel insurmountable, creating an unstable environment where a parent is unable to provide care, protection, and support their child might need. But through programs like Viva and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/parenting\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">our range of home visiting programs<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> across the state, we actively work to center families, planting and nourishing the seed that is at the core of our work: that parents are their children\u2019s first and most important teacher.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Along every step of the journey, our staff stands alongside parents to help them keep their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/intact-family-services\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">families intact<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013\u2013from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/service-compassion-fun-doulas-strengthen-families-from-the-start\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">a doula<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> holding a mother\u2019s hand and easing her anxiety as her child takes its first breath to staff guiding a young person to make stronger decisions so that little issues don\u2019t turn into major problems through community-based collaborations like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/community-collaboration\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP)<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">And our agency outlook on inclusion and racial and social justice empowers our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/child-welfare\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">foster care team<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to connect with LGBTQ families and children in care, offering them the opportunity to access resources that allow biological families a supportive partnership and a path forward\u2013\u2013together.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Join us in the recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month and spread the word about the importance of family-strengthening work and supporting children and families in their most challenging times. Snap a picture while wearing blue and post it to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok with the hashtag #GrowingBetterTogether. Engage with us on our agency social media pages\u2013\u2013check out our posts, like, and share them in your own networks!&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/mark-stosberg-vRY8bUtAKIk-unsplash-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23310\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can also participate in activities we are hosting this month including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/event\/taking-steps-to-end-child-abuse-2022\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">our virtual run<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> listening to one of three scheduled talks with Greg Cox of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/prevention-with-a-purpose\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Parent\u2019s Care &amp; Share<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> as he details his own story of neglect to reunification with his own children, or attending a virtual screening of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope. More information about these and other events and resources is available on&nbsp;our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrenshomeandaid.org\/bluebow\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Blue Bow page<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By working together, we can ensure that all families have the tools, skills, and experiences they need to thrive and succeed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It\u2019s hard to believe that it\u2019s already spring\u2013\u2013though there is still a chill in the air, the bright sun signifies something new is around the corner. This April, we are once again recognizing [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"inline_featured_image":false,"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[402],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23299"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23299"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23299\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29612,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23299\/revisions\/29612"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23299"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23299"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightpoint.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23299"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}