Every April the nation comes together to recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on the importance of protecting our most vulnerable community members and supporting the emotional wellbeing of children and families everywhere.
At Community Intervention & Educational Services — The COOL Program — child safety and family wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. For over 15 years we have been walking alongside families in Winston-Salem and throughout North Carolina, providing the support, intervention, and education needed to break cycles of harm and build healthier futures.
Did You Know?
- 1 in 4 children experience some form of abuse or neglect before age 18
- Children who experience abuse are more likely to struggle with emotional regulation, mental health challenges, and relationship difficulties later in life
- Early intervention is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect children and support healing
- Stable, nurturing relationships with caring adults are the single most important factor in a child’s ability to recover from adverse experiences
What is Emotional Wellbeing?
Emotional wellbeing means having the ability to manage feelings, build healthy relationships, cope with life’s challenges, and feel a sense of purpose and connection. For children who have experienced trauma or instability, developing emotional wellbeing requires patience, consistency, and professional support.
At The COOL Program we believe that healing is possible for every child and every family. Through our family intervention programs, parenting classes, supervised visitation services, and behavioral health support we help families build the foundation children need to thrive.
How You Can Help
- Wear a blue pinwheel — the national symbol of child abuse prevention
- Report suspected abuse to your local child protective services
- Support organizations in your community that serve children and families
- Be a consistent, caring presence in the life of a child
