A new initiative is encouraging the community to step up for children in crisis as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Volunteer Owensboro is launching Be Change For The Child on April 24, partnering with nine local nonprofits that provide critical support to children.
The effort originally began as a conversation with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and has grown into a broader movement focused on turning concern into action.
“This isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about giving people a way to take action,” said Randy Lanham, executive director of Volunteer Owensboro. “All of us have an opportunity, some say a responsibility, to take care of the children in our own community. There are so many great organizations that are helping, but they need our support. If the thought has ever crossed your mind that our kids need to be helped, this is your opportunity to Be Change For The Child.”
A free community event will be held from 4-6 p.m. on April 24 at the Cromwell Media event space, located at 1115 Tamarack Road in Owensboro. Attendees will have the chance to meet representatives from local nonprofits that directly support children and rely on volunteers, including Beverly’s Hearty Slice, Girls Inc., Mentor Kids Kentucky, Boys and Girls Club, Borrowed Hearts, CASA, Junior Achievement of West Kentucky, The Center, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and the H.L. Neblett Community Center. The event will also feature live music, radio interviews, giveaways, a food truck, and other family-friendly activities.
Lanham has been releasing weekly columns in the Owensboro Times highlighting the various organizations that will be honored during the April 24 event. Cromwell Media is also supporting the initiative by airing interviews, public service announcements, and promotional content to spotlight the nonprofits involved and share opportunities for community members to get involved.
For those unable to attend in person, radio interviews will be broadcast on Cromwell Media stations, and Volunteer Owensboro will post video interviews on its social media channels.
The message behind the campaign is clear: Don’t just be upset about the headlines — be the reason a child’s story changes. Volunteer. Show up. Be Change For The Child.
To learn more or find out how to get involved, visit the event page on Facebook by searching Be Change For The Child or visiting this link.
