April is the National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. Blue ribbons symbolize the need to address and prevent incidence of child abuse and neglect and to foster a healthy, safe environment for children. In efforts to promote prevention of child abuse and neglect and to raise community awareness about Rosalie Manor and its provision of resources and support, Rosalie Manor hosted a Blue Ribbon Campaign.

On April 13, 2004, trees and light poles on West Burleigh Street were adorned with bright blue ribbons. Groups of teens and adults could be seen decorating the streets with blue ribbons, distributing literature, and talking to curious passersby and area businesses about the significance of the blue ribbons.

This event brought Rosalie Manor's youth, families, and staff together in a collective community engagement project for a common cause and a shared belief. The youth in the Teens on the Move and the Families United to Prevent Teen Pregnancy programs supported this effort by volunteering on their day off of school. Parents in our Supporting Today's Parents and Supporting Today's Teen Parents programs showed their support with their presence, help, and words of encouragement.

With enthusiasm and blue ribbons trailing, we began at Rosalie Manor and covered Burleigh Street between 55th and Sherman Boulevard. The Blue Ribbon Campaign concluded with a reflection and discussion among the event participants. This very successful event was a heartfelt reminder of our solidarity and our mission to reduce the incidence of child abuse and child neglect… hand in hand with families in our community.