July marks National Make a Difference to Children Month, an annual celebration initiated in 2006 by Kim Ratz, a dedicated children’s advocate. This observance emphasizes the vital importance of positively impacting children’s lives. Recognizing that children are the future of our world, it serves as a month-long reminder to guide, help, and support children as they navigate life’s many challenges. By raising public awareness of key issues through this observance, we can highlight the urgent need to help children survive and thrive. There are various ways to observe National Make a Difference to Children Month, such as engaging with the children in your life, committing to their protection, supporting organizations that assist children in need, and volunteering with nonprofits dedicated to this mission. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure a brighter future for our children.

National Make a Difference to Children Month raises awareness about the vulnerability any child can face without the right guidance in their lives. Children need direction to choose the right paths, and this guidance often comes from parents, older siblings, teachers, or other guardians. Parents can observe this month by getting to know their children’s needs better, and understanding and addressing these needs can make a significant difference. Sometimes, all a child needs is attention and time, making them feel heard and cared for. Engaging with children around their hobbies and interests is a great way to connect. Research has shown that involving families in children’s education can significantly boost student achievement and school success. Additionally, young people with mentors or positive role models are more likely to pursue higher education. Educators have the unique opportunity to make positive differences daily in their classrooms. Beyond this, they can support and create learning opportunities that empower children to make a difference in their world.

Parenting -Take Time to Connect is a video Brownieland produced in partnership with Marietta City School district’s Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center. Open since August 2018, the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center is the newest school within the Marietta City school district. Their mission is simple:

We are committed to encouraging student voices and laying a solid foundation for literacy and social emotional learning.

Watch this incredible video to learn more!

Volunteering with a nonprofit that supports children makes a profound difference because it directly addresses the needs and challenges that children face, providing them with the resources, guidance, and support essential for their development and well-being. For our July Volunteer Project, Brownieland donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. As the only freestanding pediatric healthcare system in Georgia, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is the trusted leader in caring for kids. The not-for-profit organization’s mission is to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow through more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs, top healthcare professionals, and leading research and technology. Learn how you can give back to CHOA here.

National Make a Difference to Children Month underscores the urgent need to address child welfare issues, with around one million children in America experiencing abuse and neglect each year. Additionally, over 20,000 children age out of the foster care system annually, highlighting the importance of providing continuous support and resources to ensure their well-being and future success. The vision of the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy is a community without child abuse where every child feels safe. According to the GCCA website:

The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy is a nonprofit organization with a mission to champion the needs of sexually and severely physically abused children through prevention, intervention, therapy, and collaboration. Through a collaborative effort to promote healthy outcomes in Georgia, GCCA equips adults and youth with awareness, prevention education, and resources to take action.

Brownieland is proud to have volunteered with GCCA on various occasions including an event with the Starr Institute. Find out more about this remarkable organization here.

We should all lend a hand during National Make a Difference to Children Month because every effort contributes to creating a safer and more supportive environment for vulnerable children. By coming together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives, ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve to thrive.