Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce joined with Helix Human Services, formerly The Children’s Study Home, to hold a special ceremony recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month in memory of young lives lost or tragically impacted due to violence, abuse, or neglect. Helix Human Services (Helix) CEO Mark Paglia and the Helix team, as well as children and families served by Helix, along with childcare advocates and providers also joined for the ceremony at Springfield City Hall on Monday. The Children’s Memorial Flag was raised at City Hall and Mayor Sarno issued a proclamation declaring April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in the City of Springfield.
Sarno stated, “I would like to thank Helix Human Services CEO Mark Paglia and team for coordinating this ceremony in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month and for their work each day to protect and advocate for our children. Thank you to the youths who helped us raise the flag today and to all who came out to support our children and their well-being. This flag honors the memory of every child that was tragically lost to violence, abuse, or neglect and helps to raise public awareness about violence against our children and how important it is to report abuse when you see it or suspect it. We can and must protect our children, families, and communities from these heinous tragedies in order to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
