HINTON, (Hinton News) – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a cause particularly close to the hearts of many Summers Countians after a tragedy in the community last year. The REACHH Family Resource Center and Child Advocacy Center work tirelessly to help the children in this county through whatever they may face. They see kids at their worst and hopefully at their best. On April 4, the Child Advocacy Center team stood on the steps of the Memorial Building, where a Child Abuse Prevention flag was raised, to talk about what this month means to them.
In REACHH Director Doris Selko’s opening statements, she noted that in 2021, there were 6,305 substantiated cases of child abuse in West Virginia. A heartwrenching number, though even one is too much. She also spoke about Haley Weikle, a five-year-old child who tragically lost her life in Summers County last year. According to Selko, April 4, 2023, would have been Haley’s sixth birthday.
Next to speak was the Child Advocacy Center Director, Felishia Hartwell. Speaking passionately about protecting kids, Hartwell said, “It’s not just law enforcement’s job and CPS’s job. We all have an obligation to keep our children safe.” At this point, a paper was passed around containing the phone number for the child abuse hotline. The hotline is anonymous, and the caller does not have to provide proof. That paper is featured in one of the photos accompanying this story.
Others in attendance included Summers County Prosecuting Attorney Kristin Cook, representatives from the Summers County Sheriff’s Office, and representatives from the Hinton Police Department. Cook, many of the officers present and others were presented with a special token. Specifically, they each received a framed print of an angel that was colored by a local child. This particular child dealt with a heartbreaking situation, but in the midst of it all, she sat at the Child Advocacy Center and colored a beautiful angel. Each recipient played a part in dealing with that child’s situation.
Hartwell said she is often asked how she does her job, listening to the horrible things these children endure daily. In answer, she stated, “To see the light come back on in that child’s eyes. Sometimes it takes three months, sometimes it takes six months, but the light usually always comes back on in those children’s eyes, and that’s why I do it.”
During the ceremony, a young girl, Ellie Meadows, sang the National Anthem with passion, poise and talent. Additionally, Summers County Commissioner, Charles Saunders, read the commission’s proclamation marking April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Summers County.
Toward the end of the ceremony, Harwell read We Pray for Children by Ina J. Hughs. As the poem’s words flowed, there were few dry eyes amongst the crowd.
If you believe a child is being abused, contact the child abuse hotline, local law enforcement or CPS. The hotline number is 1-800-352-6513, and it is available 24/7. Don’t wait, you could save a life. If you have any questions regarding making a report, or concerns you want to address, reach out to the REACHH Child Advocacy Center by calling 304-466-2226.
