FCC staff, WSU students, and community members come together for Child Abuse Awareness Walk

WINONA, Minn. – Approximately 100 Winona State University students, Family & Children’s Center (FCC) staff, and community members came together Tuesday for a ‘Child Abuse Awareness Walk’ to highlight the concern that continues to tragically face children in the Winona area, and throughout the country.

Ahead of the walk, former Emergency Medical Technician Kate DePoole shared her first-hand experience encountering child abuse and the lasting effect it has on not only children, but those that fight to keep them safe every day.

“If you see something,” DePoole said, “say something.”

The walk took participants from Winona State to FCC’s offices, 601 Franklin Street in Winona. Along the way, students held signs showcasing statistics about child abuse and encouraging community members to take steps to protect children.

The walk comes during Child Abuse Prevention Month. On Thursday, April 27, the Winona County Primary Prevention Project, FCC staff are set to be joined Winona Mayor Scott Sherman at WNB Financial’s Main Street offices, 204 Main Street, Winona, for a celebration of the nine student winners from the ‘Hands Are For…’ art contest. Mayor Sherman will present $50 gift cards to the contest winners.

Community members, youth artists, and their families are all welcome to attend and celebrate the artist, as well as view art from all of the students from Winona and surrounding communities.