On April 8th, an impactful event took place in Las Vegas as Clark County commissioners joined forces with Olive Crest to illuminate the iconic ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign in blue. This initiative is part of the observance for Child Abuse Prevention Month, aiming to enhance public awareness and drive action towards preventing child abuse and neglect.

Significant Statistics Highlighting the Need for Action

During the event, attendees, including Commissioners Justin Jones and April Becker, underscored the urgency of transitioning from mere awareness to actionable steps. They highlighted alarming statistics from the previous year, revealing that Child Protective Services in Clark County investigated over 12,000 suspicions of abuse and neglect, with more than 3,000 of those cases confirmed.

A Message of Hope from Olive Crest

Jimmy Monaghan, the Executive Director of Olive Crest, expressed pride in guiding efforts to eliminate child abuse and neglect. He remarked, “Each April, we turn the lights of the iconic ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign blue as a beacon of hope and a call to action. By strengthening families, providing safe and loving homes, and equipping young people for life, we are not just responding to the crisis but preventing it.”

Community Steps and Reporting Channels

The lighting event serves to remind the community of the critical right every child has to a safe, loving, and stable home. Both Olive Crest and Clark County encourage individuals who suspect child abuse or neglect to take action by contacting the Clark County Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (702) 399-0081, which operates 24/7.

About Olive Crest

Established in 1973, Olive Crest has positively impacted the lives of over 250,000 children and families across the Western United States. The organization is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of children in crisis through a variety of supportive services, including safe housing, counseling, and educational programs aimed at both youth and their families. With a remarkable stability rate of 98%, Olive Crest demonstrates a lifelong commitment to the welfare of the children and families they help. Currently, Olive Crest supports around 5,000 children and families daily. For additional information, visit Olive Crest’s website or contact them at (702) 685-3459.