CAC News
Hope Blooms
Nov 10, 2011
HOPE BLOOMS is a campaign to raise awareness of sexual and physical child abuse and the power of healing. Everyday children of all sizes and ages, from every neighborhood, are being hurt. In 2010 alone, 1122 child victims of abuse were referred to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County. After a visit to the CAC, a child can begin to heal while starting a journey that ends when hope is restored.
On Thursday, November 10th, 1122 crocus bulbs were planted on the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway. Each bulb will represent a child victim of abuse. When the bulbs bloom in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, the sheer number of flowers will be a striking reminder of the local impact of abuse-and a symbolic reminder that, with the support of the CAC, hope can be restored.
We were joined by District Attorney Daniel F. Conley, Mrs. Thomas M. Menino, Commissioner Toni Pollack, Greenway executive director Nancy Brennan, CAC Board Members, Hope Blooms committee members, CAC staff and volunteers.
District Attorney Conley reflected on the event, “These bulbs will remain in the ground here through the rain later today and the long New England winter to come. It will be cold and snowy and probably feel like it will never end. But those short, dark days will grow longer and brighter over time. Months from now, in the spring, these bulbs will bloom. The care we take in planting them today will finally be seen when they flower – bright and beautiful and full of hope after months in silent darkness. And this is the fundamental work of the Children’s Advocacy Center. It’s not to make wounded children and families whole again overnight – no one can do that. But the CAC can help them through the darkness so that one day, not long from now, they can see the sunshine again."
To Learn More or To Purchase a Bulb, please click here.
Children’s Advocacy Center trustees Peter Flaherty (left) and Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley (right) flank Boston’s First Lady, Angela Menino, and child abuse prosecutor Leora Joseph on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Honorary Co-Chairs
Mayor and Mrs. Thomas M. Menino
District Attorney Daniel F. Conley and Trisha Conley
Co-Chairs
Jennifer Mugar Flaherty and Peter Flaherty
Darlene and Gerald Jordan
The CAC stays focused on what matters most: Child safety and well being.
