Collaboration spotlights business community’s role in child abuse prevention

Harrisburg, PA – Child abuse thrives in darkness. We are thrilled to have the Harrisburg Regional Chamber join us to shine a light on how each of us can be Champions for Safe Children,” said PFSA President & CEO Angela M. Liddle, MPA. “Under the direction of David Black, the Chamber and its members drive innovation in the midstate. We are proud to have their passion focused this year on our PA Blue Ribbon mission of protecting kids from abuse and neglect.”

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the state leader in child protection, and Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, the region’s premier economic development organization, will collaborate on the 2019 PA Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids (PABRCSK) campaign to raise awareness of child abuse prevention.

“Child abuse thrives in darkness. We are thrilled to have the Harrisburg Regional Chamber join us to shine a light on how each of us can be Champions for Safe Children,” said PFSA President & CEO Angela M. Liddle, MPA. “Under the direction of David Black, the Chamber and its members drive innovation in the midstate. We are proud to have their passion focused this year on our PA Blue Ribbon mission of protecting kids from abuse and neglect.”

PFSA began the award-winning Champions for Safe Kids movement in 2017 to highlight April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and to honor Pennsylvanians who protect children. Between now and February 28, all Pa. residents are welcome to nominate 2 child welfare professionals, 2 community volunteers, and 1 member of the media for the PABRCSK awards, which will be announced in April. PFSA also plants thousands of blue ribbon flags and encourages businesses and residents to shine blue lights throughout the Capital City during April to honor child victims of abuse in PA.

“Our members recognize that children need a safe and nurturing environment to thrive and become the leaders of tomorrow,” noted David Black, President & CEO of Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.  “By participating in this campaign, we’ll show the region’s children that we care about their well-being and that we’re committed to keeping them safe.” 

The Chamber & CREDC will encourage members to:

• Nominate PA Blue Ribbon Champions from the region;
• Shine blue lights in their businesses during April;
• Promote the campaign in their companies’ internal and external communications;
• Consider donating to the campaign and/or sponsoring a mandated reporter training   session,Front Porch Project, community mural, or other PFSA programming;
• Pick up free campaign posters, blue ribbon pins, flags, and bookmarks at the Chamber;
• Participate in the March 30 State Street flag-planting event and attend the April 3 Awards Ceremony at the State Capitol;
• Share their child abuse prevention efforts on social media with #ProtectPAKids.
• “If we’re successful, we can create a model child abuse prevention program for businesses throughout Pennsylvania,” added Black.

Nomination forms can be found at pablueribbonchampion.org and must be received by PFSA by COB February 28. An independent panel of judges will select the winners who will be announced on April 3. All Blue Ribbon Champions events are free and open to the public. Visit pa-fsa.org for the full schedule of child abuse prevention events in April.  
 
ABOUT PFSA: Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance prevents child abuse and protects children from harm by helping parents learn positive parenting techniques, educating professionals and volunteers who work with children to recognize and report child abuse, and helping community members learn how they can play a positive role in keeping children safe. To learn more about our programs, schedule a training, or make a donation, please visit pa-fsa.org, or call 800-448-4906.

ABOUT HARRISBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER & CREDC: Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties through bold leadership, visionary members and powerful results. The organization provides a unique blend of business, community/economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost the economic vitality and livability across our region. The Chamber & CREDC has been accredited with five stars from the United States Chamber of Commerce—a distinction achieved by only 1 percent of chambers across the nation.