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Gadsden proclaims April 2025 Child Abuse Prevention Month, honors Berry Center
Summary
The Gadsden City Council read a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and commended the James M. Berry Center for its forensic, therapeutic and outreach services for children in Etowah County.
The Gadsden City Council on a proclamation read at the meeting recognized April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and honored the Berry Center for its work with children and families.
The proclamation, read aloud by a council member, said prevention and early supports help children avoid contact with child welfare systems and that community investments — including home visiting, family-strengthening policies and community-based prevention — are essential. Craig Ford, mayor of Gadsden, attested the proclamation and Ava Nelson, city clerk, signed as attesting officer.
Patricia (Berry Center director) thanked the council and highlighted the center's services. She said the Berry Center provided 262 forensic interviews this year and that nearly 46% of those served were City of Gadsden residents. She named staff and partners in attendance, including Karen Sullivan (therapist), Robin Phillips (community outreach advocate), Tiffany Smith (Department of Human Resources partner) and board president Glenn Williams. Law enforcement partners mentioned included Sergeant Dusty Ford and Officer J.D. Lowry, who the center said assist with investigations.
Detective Dusty Ford addressed the council, describing the center as a consistent partner that helps children “tell their story” in a safe environment and supports families after incidents. He called the center “the hub that our MDT [multidisciplinary team] works out of.”
Council members and the mayor's office said the city will display pinwheels and light the Marana Park monument in blue during April to raise awareness; council staff also will distribute signage and pinwheels across the city.
The council did not take any formal vote on the proclamation beyond the reading and attestation. The Berry Center representatives emphasized that all the center's direct services are provided free to families and highlighted partnerships with local schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way and law enforcement.
The council's recognition does not itself change city funding or policy; attendees urged continued community awareness and cross-agency cooperation to prevent child abuse and support affected children and families.
