Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Even One Can Make a Difference.

There is so much that can and needs to be said about the Child Welfare System, and the issues related to Child Abuse/Neglect. I will attempt to convey some of that information through this blog, between posts of varying topics.

Today, in order to close out Child Abuse Prevention Month (but not discussions related to it), I will be saying Thank You to some who have made a difference.

As I mentioned, April was deemed National Child Abuse Prevention Month. A Thank You goes out to those governmental entities that helped establish this and recognize its importance.

The Senate of Pennsylvania issued the agency I work for, Adams County Children & Youth Services (ACCYS), a written document, paying tribute to us for the work we do to help make a “better and more productive society”.

The Advisory Board of ACCYS has shown their appreciation of the work we do by establishing a Staff Appreciation Week, which now coincides with Child Abuse Prevention Month.

This year, they provided smaller prizes to each employee, through daily drawings. At the end of the week, there was another drawing for several larger prizes.

They also provided us with food and treats throughout the week; food never lasts long in our office and is always welcomed.

Thank You to the Advisory Board members and candidates; Amber Lane, Bill Seibert, Brenda Walter, Brent Guise, Cindy Keeney, Kathy Williams, Marion Schneider, Mary Margaret Hewes, Commissioner Randy Phiel, Sgt. Mays, Sue Flesner and Tracy Biesecker.

Sue Flesner & Kathy Williams



Two of our own workers helped set up some special events this year as well. They worked together in order to get approval from the Courthouse allowing ACCYS to display their very own Pinwheel Garden (see more about the gardens here). They also arranged for weekly drawings during the month (I won a gift card), coordinated ordering shirts from our local Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), got approval for the staff to wear the shirts to work on the last Friday of the month, and were involved in the discussions, with the Advisory Board, regarding overlapping Staff Appreciation Week and Child Abuse Prevention month.

Betty, camera left, has been with ACCYS for 2 ½ years (the ½ year was during an internship). Patty, has been with ACCYS for the past 2 years and has been in Child Welfare for approx. 8 years. THANK YOU ladies.

Betty & Patty

Thank You to the CAC for coordinating the Balloon Launch at James Getty Elementary School, to drive home the 263 reports of Child Abuse in Adams County last year.

They had the children chant, “Believe You’re Brave”, in order to remind them that they are strong enough to report if/when something happens to them or others they know.

Believe YOU'RE Brave

Be the One who helps the one.

One Report

One Child

There are many more people who need to be thanked, like the caregivers who ARE doing their best to try and raise the children of our communities properly, other service providers, school personnel, community members, etc. I will try to acknowledge these people throughout the year.

If you know someone who works in the Child Welfare System, please take a moment to thank them for the hard work they do. Perhaps you’re reading this and you have someone working with you and your family; we truly are here to help, be thankful for the support.

Thank YOU, for taking the time to read this and for sharing it with others.