Gingerbread House to hold open house during Child Abuse Awareness Month

WAXAHACHIE — The Gingerbread House children's advocacy center is raising awareness of child abuse during the month of April, which is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. During this month, the Gingerbread House encourages individuals and organizations to stand up for children in their community through awareness and education. We all can play a part in promoting children's social and emotional wellbeing and preventing child maltreatment within our community.

"We wish there was not a need for our center in Ellis County, but sadly we all know that child abuse is not going to disappear over night. We encourage the people of Ellis County to look, listen and to become aware that we are all here to protect these children. The Gingerbread House can continue to make a difference in our county, but we will continue to need your help,” said John Wyckoff, executive director of the Gingerbread House.

During fiscal year 2013-14, the Gingerbread House conducted 278 forensic interviews and provided more than 1,000 therapy sessions, including individual sessions, weekly teen groups and parent groups.

In April, there are events and opportunities for members of our community to take part in as well as simple actions that can make a huge difference in raising awareness of our cause. Individuals can send out a story via email, post something to a Facebook page or tweet a compelling statistic. It doesn't really matter what you choose to do — just consider taking some simple action during the month.

The public is invited attend the annual Open House, which is slated from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16. There will be snacks and refreshments for all, including door prizes, tours of the center and the opportunity to meet the center's staff and board of directors.

For more information about how you can join in the efforts around Child Abuse Awareness Month, visit www.elliscountycac.org.