Healing Field - A Gift for Minnesota

Throughout the eight years I have worked at Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, I have been blessed to hear the stories of those who have survived the trauma of childhood abuse and neglect; those who have suffered unbelievable violations of their personal selves.
• Parents who rose from the pain of their childhoods to make sure their children “didn’t experience the same things they did”
• Survivors who are willing to tell their painful stories “so that other children would not have to feel the same pain”
• Volunteers that give countless hours to prevention work for the same reason
• Legislators who are willing, even eager, to work with people trying to improve the well-being of ALL of our children
• Grandparents, neighbors, child care workers, and parents who feel the pain of children in their lives and give their love and time to protect the children and reach out to families

It has been my privilege as the Director of PCAMN to work with staff, board members, funders, and community partners who are passionate in their dedication to end child maltreatment by helping to grow stronger families and make communities more compassionate and caring.

The weekend of April 30th through May 2nd there will be an amazing display at our State Capitol -- a Healing Field of 1,000 American flags honoring survivors of child abuse and neglect. There will also be a garden of 1500 blue pinwheels to celebrate our babies with an expression of hope for happy, healthy lives.

The Healing Field is a gift to the State of Minnesota. The flags are being sponsored by individuals and organizations like the East Minneapolis Exchange Club, people who care about the well-being of our children and share the hope that they will grow up free from abuse and neglect.

On Friday evening, April 30th, at the Field, we will hold a candlelight vigil at 7:00pm honoring parents who have broken the cycle of violence. Bring your lawn chair and join us beginning at 6:30 with a bagpipe soloist.

On Sunday afternoon May 2nd, at 2:00pm, join us for a Service of Healing and Hope in front of the Veteran’s memorials. The flags that have not been purchased will be for sale on Sunday. To learn more about how to sponsor a flag for the children, visit www.pcamn.org.

Come join us and show your commitment to the futures of all Minnesota‘s children. Walk through the field of flags and around the Pinwheel Garden of Healing and Hope and participate in the programs. Sponsor a flag to honor a survivor or child you know. Help to continue the work of child abuse prevention across Minnesota. But most importantly, join us, experience the healing, lift your spirits in hope for and dedication to Minnesota’s children.

With enormous hope, Connie