15-04-2025
Helix Human Services celebrates 160th anniversary with flag-raising ceremony for National Child Abuse Prevention
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)- It's National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse is one of our nation's most serious public health problems.
For 160 years, Helix Human Services has been raising hope for a brighter future for children and their families in Springfield. The organization began as 'The Children's Study Home' during the Civil War in 1865. Seven women from different churches met to address a rising crisis.
The most recent data shows that about 600,000 children were abused and neglected in staff with Helix Human Services and the city of Springfield raised a flag in memory of the young lives lost due to violence, abuse, or neglect.
'We understand that the work of protecting children is not done in isolation, it thrives on collaboration,' said Mark Paglia, CEO of Helix Human Services. 'It requires the dedication of every one of us.'
Staff from Helix Human Services are making a call to action. They told 22 News they want everyone to teach children resilience, because at least one in seven children has experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the U.S.
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