The CPCA, Delehanty Funeral Home, elected officials call attention to April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month
By Kristine Coulter – Southern Dutchess News
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Delehanty Funeral Home has blue pinwheels outside of its location in Wappingers Falls to call attention to this cause, as well a sign that states: “We are Heroes for Kids.”
Local elected officials, including Town of Wappinger Supervisor Joseph Cavaccini, Village of Wappingers Falls Mayor Kevin Huber and Town of Poughkeepsie Councilman Bill Reuter, joined The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse (CPCA) Executive Director Jessica Ferrantino and Delehanty Funeral Home Director Joseph Schuka to show support for this awareness campaign at Mesier Park. Local resident, firefighter and business owner Jordan Freer, of Freer Landscaping LLC., and his wife, Kelly, also turned out for the cause. Freer strung the blue lights on the Mesier Park gazebo to call attention to the prevention of child abuse. He said it took about two hours to set up the gazebo, along with Schuka.
Ferrantino said, “I’m very excited that we’re kicking off Child Abuse Prevention Month in April” this way. She thanked all those who are getting the word out. Schuka, who arranged the gathering, said he has “a deep sense of gratitude for all. “For Mayor Huber from the Village of Wappingers Falls, for allowing Delehanty and I to light up the gazebo structure in Meiser Park, which is centrally located in the Village of Wappingers Falls. And Jordan Freer from Freer Landscaping for assisting me with the hanging of the lights; many hands get the job done, and I’m big about community and getting everyone involved; Thank you, Jordan,” he said.
Schuka added, “Town of Wappinger Supervisor Joseph Cavacinni [is] always great [showing] his support; and it’s awesome that he too will be lighting up the Town of Wappinger Town Hall building on Middlebush Road. Glad he sees the importance of this awareness for Child Abuse Prevention and the amazing efforts of The Center for Prevention of Child Abuse (CPCA) of Poughkeepsie.”
Schuka also thanked Town of Poughkeepsie Councilman Bill Reuter.
Restaurant Week will be held April 13-19, which is when a portion of the proceeds will be donated to CPCA. To find out more, visit thecpca.org.
“I have been involved with supporting this great organization for the past 6 or 7 years; I have helped spread the word from my business in the City of Beacon, and I keep carrying the message as I am now here in the Village of Wappingers Falls and the surrounding Town of Wappinger area. During the month of April, if you drive past the Delehanty Funeral Home on East Main Street in Wappingers Falls, you will notice the beautiful bright blue pinwheels, a sign of hope for child abuse prevention,” he said. All are welcome to stop and inquire about the awareness campaign, remarked Schuka. He noted there is a QR-code, which is a way for one to get more information and if one would like to help and make a donation. For information, call The CPCAat 845-454-0595, Monday–Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The statewide number for Child Protective Services, if one suspects child abuse, is 1-800-342-3720.
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