Though parenting can sometimes be a challenge, it can also be one of the greatest joys in a person’s life.

That’s the message Barb Sorum, co-chairwoman of the H.U.G.S. Council — which is also known as the Freeborn County Child Abuse Prevention Council — said she hopes to get out this month and throughout the rest of the year.

Especially this month, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sorum said she hopes people can learn of the positive things parents can do in their children’s lives and where they can go for help if they need it.

Circle of Parents: 377-7665

Parent Warm Line: (888) 584-2204

Spanish Parent Warm Line: (877) 434-9528

Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line (866) 223-1111

“Parenting is hard, but we really can celebrate what all parents are doing and how tough it is,” she said.

If people in the community see someone who is struggling, they can offer help, instead of judging, she said. Help is available through many local agencies, including the H.U.G.S. Council, Circle of Parents, the Crime Victims Crisis Center, Freeborn County Public Health and the Exchange Club.

Sorum said she hopes word can spread that child abuse prevention is possible.

Earlier this month, at least 100 people participated in a proclamation event declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Albert Lea Mayor Pro Tem Al “Minnow” Brooks read a proclamation signed by Mayor Mike Murtaugh, with special guests including representatives from the city of Albert Lea, the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners, the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, the Albert Lea Police Department, the Albert Lea Fire Department and the Albert Lea Ambulance Service.

Being a strong family can be learned. Check out Early Childhood Education through your school district. The library has books, too.

Talk to, listen and try to understand your child before you act. It is important to know how your child grows and develops.

You are not alone. Reaching out to other adults you can talk to and lean on can make a big difference. Discover a Circle of Parents group by calling (800) 244-5373.

We all need help sometimes. When you need help, call the Crisis Connection at (866) 379-6363.

Be strong and flexible. Make time for yourself. Everyone feels frustrated, overwhelmed or depressed sometimes, but there are ways you can take care of yourself so those feelings don’t create problems for your family.

— Information from Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and local law enforcement and health care professionals.

Children from the different locations of The Children’s Center also participated.

After the proclamation was read and a few other speakers made remarks, blue ribbons were handed out for people to wear.

The children, with the help of the different emergency services staff, tied blue ribbons onto emergency vehicles.

“It’s a nice way to kick off the awareness for the month, but it was also really nice to see all the people who came and supported the efforts,” Sorum said.

The proclamation event is one of several events planned by the H.U.G.S. Council this month to spread the word about the awareness of child abuse prevention.

Other activities include sending packets to each kindergarten and first-grader in the county, distributing 2,000 family activity monthly calendars, putting up a prevention billboard throughout April on the corner of Clark Street and Bridge Avenue, and hosting an awareness table at the Family Fun Fair.

The council is also distributing blue ribbon stickers, awareness grocery bags, bookmarks, brochures and parenting tip cards.

Many of the projects were made possible through a community impact grant given by the United Way of Freeborn County.