MOLINE, ILLINOIS (March 26, 2026) — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to focus on the well-being of children and raise awareness about the resources available to ensure safe, healthy childhoods for all. EveryChild is leading a variety of events, activities, and community training sessions throughout the month to spark conversations about childhood safety and highlight the vital role we all play in protecting children.
“Childhood well-being is a community responsibility,” said Nicole Mann, EveryChild’s President.
“We all share the responsibility to ensure children have healthy, safe childhoods and that families have the support and resources they need to thrive. At EveryChild, we take a proactive, strength-based approach, empowering families before a crisis occurs and providing support when it’s needed to reduce trauma and help children succeed.”
Building Community Connections for Prevention
This April, EveryChild is offering a full calendar (foreverychild.org/calendar) of opportunities for community members to get involved, including several Pinwheel Garden Dedication Ceremonies across the Quad Cities and the Celebrate Every Child Fundraising Event on Thursday, April 23.
“Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to bring the community together and reinforce our shared responsibility for keeping kids safe,” said Heather Lamb, EveryChild’s Community Education Director.
“This month, we’re offering activities, trainings, and family-friendly events to support parents and strengthen families. Talking openly about parenting challenges helps normalize asking for help and ensures families can access the support they need.”
Throughout April, EveryChild will host free community trainings, dine-for-a-cause nights, and provide suggested family activities focused on wellness, safety, and relationship-building. Community members are encouraged to participate and learn how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
Creating a Shared Understanding to Prevent Child Abuse
According to Prevent Child Abuse America, children who have access to economic and social support are less likely to experience abuse or neglect. Yet, many still believe raising healthy children is solely the responsibility of parents and caregivers. In reality, a strong, supportive community is essential to the well-being of families.
“Community support is critical to preventing child abuse and helping families thrive,” Lamb said.
“EveryChild’s programs provide practical tools and knowledge to help parents, professionals, and community members work together to create safer environments for children.”
The Community Education team offers a variety of trainings - from introductory sessions to in-depth programs — tailored to meet the needs of different groups, whether parents of toddlers or teens.
“When you know better, you do better,” Lamb said.
“By giving families and community members the skills and resources they need, we can all help ensure children have the safe, healthy childhoods they deserve.”
Celebrate Every Child Fundraising Event — Thursday, April 23
EveryChild will host the Celebrate Every Child Gala at the Rhythm City Casino Event Center, starting at 5:30PM. The evening will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music from Entropy Jazz Orchestra, and both a live and silent auction. Champion Sponsors for the event include UnityPoint Health — Trinity and KWQC-TV6.
This year, EveryChild is honored to welcome Angela Rose, founder of PAVE, as the guest speaker.
Angela, a survivor, will share her inspiring story of resilience and advocacy for children impacted by abuse.
Tickets for the Celebrate Every Child Fundraising Event are available now. All proceeds support EveryChild’s mission to strengthen families and prevent child abuse in the Quad Cities.
For details on all of EveryChild’s April events, visit foreverychild.org/capm or follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.
About EveryChild
EveryChild is dedicated to ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of children in the Quad Cities.
Through education, prevention, and support services, EveryChild empowers families and the community to create safe environments where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
Dates to Know — April 2026
- Tuesday, March 31: Giving Tuesday for Child Abuse Prevention Month
- Wednesday, April 1: SAU Early Childhood Center Pinwheel Garden — 3PM
- Thursday, April 2: Davenport Police Department Pinwheel Garden — 10AM
- Thursday, April 2: Rock Island Police Department Pinwheel Garden — 1PM
- Friday, April 3: Muscatine County Courthouse Pinwheel Garden — 10AM
- Tuesday, April 7: Dine for a Cause — Panchero’s, Davenport
- Wednesday, April 8: RI County Children’s Advocacy Center Pinwheel Garden — 9:30AM
- Friday, April 10: Wear Blue Day
- Tuesday, April 14: Moline Police Department Pinwheel Garden — 10:30AM
- Tuesday, April 21: Dine for a Cause — Bad Boy’z Pizza, Moline and Davenport locations
- Thursday, April 23: Celebrate Every Child Gala — 5:30PM
