April 23, 2024

Giving a voice to those without one

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Cabarrus County Department of Social Services (DSS) is at the forefront of local efforts to protect children.  

Earlier this month, social workers and other County employees gathered at the DSS Kannapolis location to plant pinwheels—which represent playfulness, joy and the circle of love that all families should strive for—and reaffirm the work they do.

“Our team is dedicated to providing safe, supportive environments for children,” says DSS Director Hollye McCallum. “Through awareness and other efforts, we can make strides in preventing abuse and ensuring the safety of every child.”

The month closes with a special downtown Concord event at 1 p.m. on April 30. That day DSS workers, law enforcement and others will join the Cabarrus District Attorney’s Office for a pinwheel ceremony in the Courthouse Plaza between Church and Union streets.

In this and every month, we hope you make a commitment to help create a happy, healthy future for ALL children. 

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If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact the department at 704-920-2277

5 Things to Know

🦟 The "Cicada-geddon" is coming! For the first time in 221 years, two distinct cicada broods are emerging around the same time. In the video below, NC State Cooperative Extension Agent Stacey Jones explains what this means and what you should know.

📌 The Cabarrus Resource Conference for Behavioral Health and Disabilities is happening Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at A.L. Brown High School (415 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Kannapolis). The FREE event provides parents, caregivers and adult individuals information and resources on mental health, trauma, substance abuse, intellectual disabilities, autism and more. También se ofrecerán sesiones de español.

Learn more

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RSVP

❤️ Cabarrus County Schools is partnering with Safe and Sound Schools to host a Student and Family Mental Wellness Forum on Wednesday, April 24 (tomorrow). The event is from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jay M. Robinson High School. There will be food trucks, raffles, swag, 20+ community wellness and resource providers and more. Learn more and register.

🐷 Kannapolis is celebrating 10 years of Jiggy with the Piggy! The popular barbeque festival returns May 2 through May 5 in downtown. View schedule of events.

💉 The Community Free Clinic is hosting a a FREE Latino Clinic with Atrium Health and Cabarrus Health Alliance on Saturday, April 27. Learn more and register.

Cabarrus This Week

Let's get plugged in!

In this episode of Cabarrus This Week, we're:

• Spotlighting the circle of love for children

• Enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of Jiggy with the Piggy



• Exploring the goodies in the EMS "Carter Kits"

CTW archives

Weigh in

Strawberry, freezing and jams class | April 24, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m and April 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Cooperative Extension | 715 Cabarrus Avenue West | $10

Crochet 101 | May 1 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Kannapolis Library | FREE

Trails and Tales | May 2 | 10 to 11 a.m. | Rob Wallace Park | FREE

Drive-In Movie Night | May 3 | 8:30 p.m. | Cabarrus Arena Midway

View all Cabarrus County Library System events

View the Active Living and Parks session guide

Work with Cabarrus

Cookin' with Pam

Taste of the sea: baked salmon with vegetables

See more of Pam's recipes

Board of Commissioners

Resources

Need help with utilities or rent?

Apply for Work First Emergency Assistance Program

Child Support Services

Understand the process and enroll

Veterans Services resources

Access our full list of Cabarrus County resources

Recursos de la Comunidad

In the News

• (Independent Tribune) Commissioners notebook: Board hears updates on Afton, Mt. Pleasant Library/Active Living Center projects

• (Independent Tribune) State of Our Children Report: Alarming number of homeless students in Cabarrus

Get Connected

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