Friday afternoon's rain showers didn't dampen the spirits of those attending a downtown Tallahassee block party. It was the finish line for a 1500-mile hike across Florida that began in Key West at the end of March.
The celebration was for the dozens of "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" walkers in support of Lauren's Kids. That's an anti-child abuse organization begun by abuse survivor - and later State Senator - Lauren Book. Among the local groups taking part in the party was the Leon Children's Services Council and its Director of Special Projects Holly McPhail.
"One of the area that we immediately poured our resources into was the prevention of child abuse and neglect through our investments in family resource centers, maternal mental health programs, all of that combined together so we can truly ensure that children have the best possible start in life."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate one-in-four girls and one-in-thirteen boys experience some form of abuse during childhood. Many of those children will grow up to continue the cycle of child abuse.
