Bemidji Organizations Recognized for Work on Radiothon to End Child Abuse

FamilyWise Services, based out of Minneapolis, has highlighted the United Way of Bemidji Area and Hubbard Broadcasting as winners of the Pinwheels for Prevention awards during Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAP).

National CAP Month is April. During this month, FamilyWise Services works to showcase its partners that that support both children and parents’ wellbeing in their communities with the Pinwheel for Prevention award. This support comes from services provided to families, development of spaces for community connections, and raising awareness to support the families and children in the area.

Both the Bemidji United Way and Hubbard Broadcasting were highlighted for their most recent effort to raise awareness with the Radiothon to End Child Abuse held last December. The United Way hosted the event, allowing for safe social distancing and smoothly running the Radiothon auction. They did so while also leading local fundraising efforts. FamilyWise states that United Way and Hubbard Broadcasting display “consistent support of the efforts of all partners working to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.”

“We are honored to be recognized for our important collaborative work in partnership with Hubbard Broadcasting and FamilyWise Services in preventing child abuse because we know that together we can do than any one of us can do alone,” said Denae Alamano, United Way of Bemidji Area’s Executive Director.

Many organizations work to bring awareness to the prevention of child abuse, and FamilyWise Services says they are a leader for the cause. It is also the home of Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota after its merger with Minnesota Communities Caring for Children (MCCC) in 2020. The organization provides educational prevention resources, expands access to their services and enhancing communities through their support of caregivers and parents.

The nationwide theme for Child Abuse Prevention Month in 2022 is “Growing Better, Together.” The theme emphasizes positive childhood experiences from nurturing environments that promote growth for physical and mental health, and social skills.