By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter

jevans@thepccourier.com

COUNTY — “We want people to know how important it is to protect our younger citizens, because they’re going to grow up and be the future of our communities, of our state,” said Greta Young, executive director of The Parenting Place. “So we need to protect them.”

That’s where The Parenting Place comes in. The agency strives to promote positive parenting, help families become self-sufficient again, reduce child maltreatment, improve parent-child interactions, make sure children are ready for school and reduce child injuries.

Her agency wants to help those they see enhance their parenting skills, Young said. In addition to home visits, they also offer parenting classes.

“We’re there to offer support, answer any questions,” she said. “Look at us as a person walking alongside of you. We’re here to help. We want to help them become better parents.”

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. A number of events are planned throughout the month to raise awareness on child abuse and get the community involved in protecting children.

“We are partnering with The Children’s Trust and Pickens County First Steps on a ton of stuff,” Young said. “Everything we’re doing is free.”

On Friday, April 8, the third annual Partners for Prevention Lunch and Learn will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Mill Church in Pickens.

“It’s like a kickoff event for Prevent Child Abuse Month,” Young said.

The theme of the lunch and learn is “Empowering the Community to Prevent Child Abuse.” Chris Egan is the guest speaker. He’ll share his own story of resilience in the face of abandonment and poverty, and how those in the community encouraged and mentored him.

After the free lunch, provided by the Parkette of Pickens, a pinwheel garden will be planted. Pinwheels around the county are intended to help spark conversations about child abuse and neglect.

Space is limited to the first 100 people. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Bridget at Behavioral Health Services by April 1. Call (864) 898-5800 or email bfarmer@bhspickens.com.

The Parenting Place is also partnering with Pickens County First Step for their Week of the Young Child events.

“They’re doing something all that week,” Young said.

Events for the week of April 8-17 include grand openings of Born Learning Trails in Pickens and Clemson, fundraiser nights at restaurants around Pickens County and more.

The Parenting Place is partnering with the Clemson Police Department for its Family Fun Kickoff Event for National Crime Victims Rights Week on Sunday, April 10, in Nettles Park. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 10-16.

“They have events going on that whole week,” Young said of the Clemson Police Department.

The Parenting Place is seeking donations of new bikes to give away to kids during the Clemson event, Young said.

“So far we have four donated,” she said. “We would love to be able to give away at least 10 bikes, if possible.”

On April 12, the Pickens County Advocacy Center will show a special version of the documentary “The Hunting Ground,” about sexual assault, at Daniel High School. The movie has been edited with middle and high school audiences in mind.

“We’re planning on going to that as well,” Young said.

The Parenting Place’s big fundraiser, Ride for the Child, is slated for Saturday, April 23.

The ride will start at The Parenting Place and end at Bleu Voodoo in Easley. Items will be raffled off at the end of the ride.

“It’s like a poker run,” Young said. Cost is $10 per driver, $10 per ride. T-shirts are $10. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with kickstands up at 11:30 a.m. Best hand wins $300, second-best hand wins $200, and worst hand wins $100.

“We would love to get some more riders for that event,” Young said. “It’s for a good cause. If you raise $200 in donations, you get to ride for free.”

Not free to ride that day? You can still donate, Young said.

“We can always use donations,” she said. “For every dollar raised, another child can be saved.”

For more information, visit www.tppupstate.org or call (864) 898-5583.