LEWISBURG W.VA. (WVDN) – Recently, at the Greenbrier County Courthouse, the community gathered to raise a memorial flag dedicated to children lost because of abuse. With further purpose, Site Supervisor for The Children’s Home Society, Mary Carr, said, “We gather today in remembrance of children in our community who are no longer with us due to abuse as well as to support those children who face abuse each day in their homes or communities. Children’s Memorial Flag Day is part of a public awareness campaign started by the Child Welfare League of America to direct attention to the tragedy of violent child deaths. The flag has a red field, depicting blue paper doll-like figures of children holding hands in the center. The white chalk outline of a missing child symbolizes the children lost to violence; which is a very moving representation. You may have noticed the array of pinwheels that have been placed outside the courthouse this week. These pinwheels represent a community united to help in child abuse.”
Many of the front-line warriors were present to speak on behalf of little voices that can no longer be heard, to reward those who go above and beyond in the lives of children, and to witness the raising of the Children’s Memorial Flag. The Children’s Home Society of Greenbrier County were gracious hosts in their never-ending fight to put an end to child abuse and to bring awareness to the community regarding the dire need for foster parents and homes here in West Virginia.
Carr and Jennifer Sams (Supervisors at The Children’s Home Society) welcomed guests and agencies such as Greenbrier County EMS, GVMC nursing staff, Advocates of Davis Stuart, Inc. and The Family Refuge Center, Greenbrier County Social Workers, CYAC (Child & Youth Advocacy Center), CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Rainelle Medical Center, The Greenbrier County Family Resource Center, The NOAH Foundation, and The Greenbrier County Support Center. Also in attendance were several city officials, family members of those lost, and foster families. The Greenbrier Valley East JROTC bore the honor of raising the flag that will replace the WV Flag for the remainder of April. April has been recently named Child Abuse Prevention Month in Greenbrier County, a victory gained by advocate Lisa Toliver’s presentation to County Commissioners last week.
As East’s JROTC gently raised the flag, a moment of silence took place. Pastor Stephen Baldwin expressed heartfelt concern for the crisis presented to each of us while abuse continues to happen. The Family of recently deceased 2 and ½-year-old Colton Sears was gathered in solidarity. Grandmother, Jacqueline Brown, Father, Jordan Sears and family members donned blue t-shirts with Colton’s picture and the words “Stop Child Abuse.”
Lewisburg Mayor Beverly White read a tearful momento to the crowd which stated, “Children’s Memorial Day Proclamation. Whereas the Child Welfare League of America has promoted the Children’s Memorial Flag as a way of memorializing the thousands of children and teenagers in the United States who [die due to abuse]. Whereas each year numerous municipalities become involved in an impressive bipartisan effort, flying the flag or arranging for related events to memorialize children. Whereas the Children’s Memorial flag has become a recognizable symbol of the need to do a better job of protecting children. And whereas the response of the public has been overwhelmingly positive as the program progresses each year. Approximately 7.6 million children are reported abused and neglected in this country each year. And whereas the effects of child abuse have been felt by whole communities and need to be addressed by the entire community. And whereas effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, religious and civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community. And whereas all citizens should become more aware of the negative effects of child abuse and its prevention within their communities. [We must get] involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment. Now therefore, [we reserve] Friday, April 26 2024 as Children’s Memorial Flag Day. I call upon all citizens to increase their participation in efforts to prevent child abuse, strengthening the communities in which we live.”
To the delight of all in attendance, the Greenbrier Community School’s Children’s Choir sang a beautiful song that brought many to tears. Listening to the children sing and watching them hold hands was a staunch realization that these are what we hold most dear and must pledge to protect. Two award presentations were made in honor of community members whose dedication and selflessness are seen daily while working with the children they serve. Jenifer Richmond and Lisa Snedegar have made a lasting impact on the lives of children. Richmond and husband Bobby are foster parents who founded The NOAH Foundation, in remembrance of their stillborn child, Noah, in 2011 and have fostered over 10 children to date. Jenifer also works as Emergency Medical Services personnel in Lewisburg and has a stark view of the abuse that occurs more regularly than anyone would want to witness. Lisa Snedegar was awarded for her extreme and steadfast dedication to serving Greenbrier’s children in every capacity possible.
During this past fiscal year, West Virginia CACs served 4,879 children – a 10% increase in new children served in the last five years. Some of the highlights from the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital (HFCH) CAC report include that 68% of children served were because of allegations of sexual abuse. Other statistics reported say 11% of children served were 13 years old or younger, 96% of alleged offenders were someone the child knew, and 8% of children were reported to have one or more disabilities. Additionally, 68% of children served were because of allegations of sexual abuse.
A plethora of help is available, such as the Bureau for Family Assistance, which provides services and support that help West Virginians overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency. A toll-free hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-352-6153 or by calling 911.
