The HOPE Framework - Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences - is a new way of seeing and talking about experiences that support children's growth into healthy, resilient adults. Our goal for MANicure Movement this year is to inspire a HOPE-informed movement that educates the community about child abuse prevention efforts and prompts action. In addition to painting your nail blue to spark a conversation, would you consider taking things a step further by learning more about the important work being done in our communities in the following ways?
Here are five things you can do to help...
1. Nurturing and Supportive Relationships
Safe, loving relationships between children and their parents, caregivers, and other supportive adults help children grow up healthier and more resilient. Research shows that kids mentored by a caring adult at an early age more successfully maneuvers through life's obstacles. Click here to find a mentoring program near you.
2. Safe and Stable Environments
Safe, equitable, and stable environments - at home, at school, and in the community - provide opportunities for children to have their needs met, feel secure, and have a sense of belonging. Programs such as the following help families build these kind of environments.
Ending child and family homelessness with Pathways to Home: Pathways to Home (embracefamilies.org)
3. Constructive Engagement and Social Connectedness
We all need to know that we matter to other people and to our communities. That starts by lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need. Know where to help families in your area turn for support.
DCF's Hope Florida- A Pathway to Prosperity Service: Hope Florida | Florida DCF (myflfamilies.com)
United Way's 211 Service: United Way 211 – 211 Site (211unitedway.org)
4. Opportunities to Develop Social and Emotional Intelligence
Our goal is to destigmatize conversation around child abuse, thereby preventing it from happening in the future as the community is more informed of warning signs and ways to assist. Sign up to attend one of our webinars to learn more about how you can contribute to building strong children and families in your community.
5. Volunteer
Volunteers play a critical role in fulfilling the mission of local nonprofit organizations. Without your support, we could not get the needs of children and families met. Take a pledge against child abuse by signing up to volunteer!
And here's one more...
Report
If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse in any setting, for immediate help call
9-1-1 to alert local law enforcement.
To contact the National Child Abuse Hotline, call 1-800-422-4453.
In Florida, call 1-800-962-2873.