LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County agencies and organizations are joining together during the month of April 2013 to acknowledge the National Week of the Young Child and the nationally recognized Child Abuse Awareness Month.
“All young children need and deserve a safe childhood as well as high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life,” said Shelly Mascari, director of the Lake County Child Care Planning Council.
In honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month, proclamations will be read at the Lake County Board of Supervisors at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, and 6 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Clearlake City Council meeting. A proclamation was given during the April 2 Lakeport City Council meeting.
Several events in Lake County will honor young children and those who make a difference in children’s lives.
An advocacy walk and children’s festival will take place on Saturday, April 13, in Library Park in the city of Lakeport.
These free events begin at 10 a.m. with a special ceremony at the flagpole in Library Park.
The advocacy walk starts and ends at the park, with check-in at 10 a.m. T-shirts will be given to all who participate in the walk. Funny hats are encouraged to be worn by walkers.
The Children’s Festival, also in the park, takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information booths, activities for children, and entertainment, including music and Pomo dancers, will be occurring during the Festival.
All events are free to the public.
“We invite families, community leaders and others to support young children by participating in these special Lake County Cares for Our Kids events,” said Mascari.
Agencies assisting with the activities include Lake County Office of Education, Children’s Council, First 5 Lake County, Lake Family Resource Center, Redwood Children’s Services, Easter Seals, Lake County Victim-Witness Program and Lake County Tribal Health.
To register for the walk, sign up to have a booth at the festival, or for general information, visit www.lakecoe.org and click on “Lake County Cares for Our Kids” under current news, or call 707-262-4161.