Manatee Children’s Services Commemorates National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2026 with Community Events and Awareness Initiatives
Manatee Children’s Services (MCS) is proud to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April 2026 with a series of special events aimed at raising awareness, engaging the community, and reinforcing the importance of protecting children and strengthening families.
Throughout April, MCS invites the community to participate in events that highlight prevention, healing, and collective responsibility in ensuring children grow up safe, supported, and valued.
Pinwheels for Prevention® Display
Throughout April, MCS will feature its annual Pinwheels for Prevention® garden, a national symbol of child abuse prevention and the joyful childhoods every child deserves. The display serves as a visual reminder of the community’s shared responsibility to ensure all children grow up safe, healthy, and supported.
Walk in My Shoes – Bradenton
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, MCS will serve as the Bradenton host site for the statewide Lauren’s Kids Walk in My Shoes event. Participants will gather at the MCS campus before taking part in a four‑mile walk that raises awareness about child abuse prevention and the importance of standing with survivors in their healing journeys.
Zumba Dance for Child Abuse Prevention
On Sunday, April 12, 2026, MCS will partner with Crunch Fitness to raise awareness with a high‑energy Zumba Dance for Child Abuse Prevention, inviting community members to come together through movement and fun while supporting child abuse prevention initiatives. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit MCS prevention programs serving local children and families.
Pizza with a Purpose
On April 15, 2026, supporters are encouraged to attend Pizza with a Purpose at Mellow Mushroom, a community fundraiser benefiting Manatee Children’s Services. The event will feature food, drinks, entertainment by jazz sensation Boris N Sax, raffles, and an auction highlighting original artwork by local artist JLu Watercolors, all while raising critical funds for services that support abused and neglected children.
In addition to these events, MCS will display its annual Pinwheels for Prevention® throughout the community, serving as a visible reminder that every child deserves a safe and joyful childhood.
MCS encourages area residents, businesses, and community partners to participate in these events and visit http://www.manateechildrensservices.com for event details, registration links, and additional ways to get involved throughout April.
About Manatee Children’s Services:
Manatee Children’s Services, a Child Advocacy Center dedicated to preventing child abuse, provides a full spectrum of programs serving over 12,000 children and families annually. Our mission is “preventing child abuse, restoring healing, and strengthening all children and their families through advocacy, treatment, and shelter.” Since our start in 1977 as the community’s first and only emergency shelter for abused children in foster care, Manatee Children’s Services now offers programs in treatment, prevention, intervention, and residential services.
