Woodland Park proclaims April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month after Community Partnership presentation

Corey Gorton, vice president of programs at Community Partnership Family Resource Center, told the Woodland Park City Council on April 2 that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and urged the city to recognize the role of local supports in preventing abuse and neglect. “This proclamation … is a public statement that our community stands behind the children and the families,” Gorton said, describing a network of local services and a “return on investment study” the presentation said was cited in the U.S. Senate.

Gorton told the council Community Partnership served more than 1,800 people last year and described a 130% increase in playgroup participation, expanded food distribution during a SNAP disruption, and more than 160 pounds of produce donated from a community garden to the food pantry. “Child abuse and neglect happens because families are under stress. They’re without resources and support,” Gorton said, urging investment in prevention and local partnerships.

Mayor Kelly Case read the proclamation into the record and the council accepted the resolution declaring April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month in Woodland Park. Council members posed for a photo with pinwheel symbols distributed by the nonprofit to mark the observance.

The proclamation, as read, urges residents, organizations and community leaders to raise awareness and support families; city staff and the nonprofit said the declaration carries no monetary obligation for the city. The council did not take other action on the topic during the meeting.