Tama County Public Health & Home Care staff including Assistant Director/CFO Lori Johnson, center, pictured wearing blue to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month on Friday, April 4. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

TOLEDO – Please join SKIP (Supporting Kids in Prevention), Tama County Public Health & Home Care, and ISU Extension and Outreach to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month this April. The theme this year is “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.”

As part of the annual observance, pinwheels will again be placed at local child care centers and homes: the blue pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse prevention, representing hope and the bright future all children deserve.

Through SKIP, we will be offering a free movie for families to attend together. Our goal is to provide a positive place for families to do something together as a family.

The first free movie night is set for Wednesday, April 23, at the Traer Theatre; the movie is Minecraft.

The second free movie night will be Wednesday, April 30, at the Wieting Theatre in Toledo; the movie will be The King of Kings.

Our third free movie night is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, at the Gladbrook Theater, and the movie will be Snow White.

All three movie nights will feature free admission, drink, and a small popcorn.

Child Abuse Prevention Month emphasizes the importance of building a supportive environment for children and families while recognizing that stronger families create healthier communities. The hope is that by encouraging communities to join us in this effort, we can help prevent child abuse before it happens.

For more information about the local SKIP Coalition, please contact Lori Johnson, Tama County Public Health & Home Care, at 641-484-4788.