Words by McKenzie Wade, Image by Al Blanton 

Every year around 700,000 children in the United States face some form of abuse. Since 1983, the month of April has been nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. This year, one local non-profit has plans to help bring awareness to this issue that involves the help of the entire community—and a color.

During the month of April, the Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center (WCCAC) is asking the city of Jasper to “Paint the Town Blue” to bring awareness to the issue. Since blue is the color associated with Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, blue-and-white signs that read “We don’t think it should hurt to be a child” are being made for local businesses to place in their windows or on lawns.

“I would love to see all of downtown Jasper and all of the businesses in Jasper to have one or more signs on their property,” says WCCAC Executive Director Johnny Sudberry.

The WCCAC arose out of the need for a local center to walk alongside children facing some form of abuse, and since its inception in 2012, the organization has been helping children in the Walker County area. At the center located on Alabama Avenue in downtown Jasper, children and their families have access to a forensic interview, counseling, and support while walking through the court process.

“I really wish we didn’t have to exist, but I am glad we are here to help those who need it,” Sudberry says.

The WCCAC is encouraging all Walker County residents to become involved in the Paint the Town Blue campaign, either by donating to receive a sign or by hanging something blue on their lawns.

Sudberry explains that when a child experiences abuse, the chances of teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and poor school performance later in life rise significantly. “We want to intervene on a child’s behalf,” he says. “We can’t go back and undo the trauma, but we can try to reduce the effects of the trauma. If that is not something we can all get behind, I don’t know what is.”

The goal of the “Paint the Town Blue” event is simple—bring awareness to a very real issue that is negatively impacting the lives of many children, not only around the world, but also right here in Walker County.

During the month of April, grab a sign, hang up something blue in your yard, or wear a blue ribbon on your shirt and “Paint the Town Blue.” Bring awareness—and an end—to child abuse.

To receive a sign, contact the WCCAC at (205) 387-8324. Signs for the event can be delivered or picked up at the WCCAC. For more information or to donate, please visit www. walkercountycac.org.