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In a powerful and unwavering stand against child abuse, CASA of Sangamon County is spearheading a united front this April, dedicating our efforts to raising awareness and fostering a community that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our children. It’s a poignant reminder that approximately one in four children will experience some form of abuse or neglect in their lifetime. The sobering reality reveals that among maltreated children, 18 percent endure physical abuse, 78 percent face neglect, and 9 percent suffer from sexual abuse. These alarming figures underscore the diverse and pervasive nature of the issue, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive strategies to prevent and address various forms of child maltreatment. April holds a special significance as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, providing an opportune moment for organizations like CASA of Sangamon County to intensify our efforts and draw attention to the widespread impact of child abuse in our communities.Â
Learn more about their efforts and how you can get involved on the CASA blog here.
It’s back for another year! Kids and Adults get ready for a unique opportunity to compete, have fun and make lasting memories! Saturday June 8, 2024 at the Kerasotes YMCA.
Y NINJA is a fun Obstacle Course Run for kids and adults. Run as individuals or put together a team. There will be a variety of inflatable and constructed obstacles across the grounds of Kerasotes YMCA.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not be able to wear any type of shoes in the inflatable obstacles so plan ahead to wear easily removable shoes, or run barefoot, or in socks. The course will be on grass. All fees are per person. Proceeds benefit YMCA STRONG KIDS FUND to provide a Y Experience for underserved, at risk youth , and those with diverse abilities in our community.
Timeline
10:00-10:15 – Kids Age 5-7 (Awards: Top M and Top F)
10:15-10:30 – Kids Age 8-10 (Awards: Top M and Top F)
10:30-10:45 – Kids Age 11-14 (Awards: Top M and Top F)
10:45-11:00 – Kids Age 5-7 + 1 Adult (Award: Top Overall)
11:00-11:15 – Kids Age 8-10 + 1 Adult (Award: Top Overall)
11:15-11:30 – Kids Age 11-14 + 1 Adult (Award: Top Overall)
On April 8, 2024, at approximately 3:04 p.m. EST, a total solar eclipse will travel from Mexico through the U.S. to the maritime provinces of Canada. It will last about four minutes and two seconds.
This helpful resource link shows you the predicted timing of the eclipse from the start to the end based on your location.
Simply click the map to the location you’re interested and you can see the timeline. And of course, to prevent eye damage, do NOT look at the sun. Protective glasses for viewing are available all around town at grocery and hardware stores.
We’re continually updating our outdoor directories so you can plan quality time outside with your friends and family! Â We all need to disconnect more often from our phones, social feeds and laptops, and participating in any of these activities will force you to do so. Â As always, we welcome your pictures out and about. Enjoy the fresh air and clear your mind. Â Email your favorites to springfieldmoms.org@gmail.com.
Don’t miss Tuesday, April 2 in recognition of the 16th annual World Autism Awareness Day, the Abe for All series at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum will offer a Sensory Friendly Evening. During this special event from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. They are offering guests free admission and a sensory-friendly experience. Our theater and Journey lights will be turned up, and the sound turned down. Some special effects will be turned off. A quiet room will be provided. Advance registration is not required. We have developed a pre-visit preparation packet that ranks areas of the museum based on their potential to overstimulate. This can be found in the “Plan Your Visit” section of our website or email ALPLM.GuestEntry@illinois.gov and request a packet.
We are committed to providing an inclusive experience for all and if there are other things we can do to ensure a more welcoming experience, please let us know. You can reach us 9am – 5pm daily by calling 217-558-8844 (TTY/TDD 1-888-440-9009) or email ALPLM.GuestEntry@Illinois.gov
Lace up and get ready for the happiest run and the most fun spring event of 2024!
The Asian Indian Women’s Organization presents ‘COLOR ME HOLI 5K RUN/WALK & BOLLYWOOD ZUMBA’ on Saturday April 27 at Washington Park in support of the Springfield chapter of ‘Share the Spirit Foundation, Inc’.
The Indian festival of Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, unity and diversity by playing with colors with everyone as a group, and victory of good over evil! We are adding a dash of health and fitness to this colorful festival!
You don’t want to miss this colorful celebration of spring as you run, walk or dance to high energy music!
Click here to register and claim your complimentary swag bag, event t-shirt, holi color, and box of indian food!
Coming Sunday, April 14 Kids Good Grief Camp hosted by Staab Funeral Home will take place from 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park.
As a parent or caregiver of a child who has experienced the death of a loved one, perhaps you’re wondering how you can best support your child through the grieving process. Grieving children often feel isolated because they rarely know anyone their age who has experienced the death of a friend or family member. Grief comes in waves for children. Support can be beneficial whether it has been just weeks, several months, or even years since the death of a loved one. Kids Good Grief Camp is a supportive and fun camp for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. Open to children ages 6 – 12, it’s held annually each spring at Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park. Kids Good Grief Camp is an afternoon of both support and fun.
Your child will learn valuable tools to help them grief in a healthy way, while connecting with other children, making new friends, and participating in a wide range of activities.
For more information on Kids Good Grief Camp call (217) 528-6461 or email Info@StaabFamily.comÂ
Foster care is a system that provides temporary care for children who cannot live with their birth families due to various reasons, such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Foster parents provide a safe and nurturing home environment for these children while they await reunification with safe family members or are placed into adoption. In this blog, we will discuss becoming a foster parent, assessing a child’s needs, finding a suitable home for neglected children, and the need for CASA advocates even after placement. As always, contact CASA of Sangamon County in Springfield, IL to learn more about advocacy and how you can help.
Learn more on the CASA Blog here.
This is one of our favorite resources to share our readers – the 2024 Summer Camp Directory and Activity Guide. Our local sponsors of the directory offer a wide variety of camps available this year from half-day, full-day or week long sessions.  Topics such as art, computers, dance, music, science, sports and tons of outdoor adventures for kids of all ages! Preschool, elementary age, counselor in training, there’s a fit for everyone to try something new this summer.
It’s all here, and we update weekly, so check back and share with your friends, too.
Enjoy your summer planning!
Organizing a special event is a thrilling venture, brimming with excitement and the potential to forge enduring memories. A crucial factor that can enhance any occasion is the selection of the venue. Whether it’s a significant birthday bash, a wedding reception, or a corporate gala, choosing the ideal facility establishes the groundwork for a genuinely unforgettable experience. The Springfield Park District emerges as the ideal destination for hosting your upcoming occasion, offering a diverse range of indoor and outdoor venues, catering to both large and intimate gatherings. Whatever your requirements may be, we have the perfect space to suit your needs.
Explore a selection of our remarkable hidden gem venues for your consideration. Click here for more information.
We also provide some of the finest birthday party choices for your little ones. Transform your child’s birthday celebration into a memorable experience. Parents can unwind and delight in the festivities while we take care of the cleanup!Â
Each listed party comes with its distinct amenities. Choose the type of FUN that suits you and your little ones best. Click here for more information.
