2007 Day of Hope Overview

Childhelp co-founders Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson were in the Oval Office with President Jimmy Carter when he signed the legislation establishing April as National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Years later, through the efforts of Childhelp, the National Day of Hope was recognized by a unanimous Congressional Resolution in support of the efforts of Childhelp to recognize the problem of child abuse and neglect and to enhance public awareness. To this end, in 2000, Congress first recognized the National Day of Hope as the first Wednesday of April. The Resolution asks that 1.) all Americans should keep the victims of child abuse and neglect in their thoughts and prayers; 2.) all Americans should seek to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and to give victimized children hope for the future; and 3.) the faith community, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers across America should recommit themselves and mobilize their resources to assist abused and neglected Children.

Why a National Day of Hope?

The fact that child abuse is against the law in every state is simply not enough. Everyone must play a role if we are to change these tragic, national statistics:

Four children die every day as a result of child abuse.

In the United States, approximately three million child abuse reports are made each year – on average, one report every 10 seconds.

The actual incidence of abuse and neglect is estimated to be three times greater than the number reported to the authorities.

How can I participate?

•    Buy a Childhelp Day of Hope Candle: This four wick candle serves to commemorate the 4 young lives lost every day as a result of child abuse and neglect. 

•    Ask your place of worship to read the Day of Hope Prayer: You may also have a Childhelp information and donation table set up outside after the service. Youth groups may get involved by hosting a coin drive or other fundraisers for Childhelp.
•    Help a stressed-out parent cope.
•    Encourage your company to support Childhelp through cause-related marketing, corporate sponsorships, employee giving campaigns, or gift-in-kind donations.
•    Ask a local restaurant to participate: Restaurants may get involved by designating a specific menu item or a percent of proceeds from the day, week, or month to Childhelp. Childhelp will provide Day of Hope Tent cards for the tables so the customers will be informed about the promotion. For more information, please download the Day of Hope Menu Pledge Form or contact Danielle Roberts, droberts@childhelp.org, or 480.922.8212 x 434.
•    Include the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD and information on Childhelp in your company or organization newsletter.  
•    Raise funds and awareness for children served by Childhelp by supporting our Partners of Hope.

For more information click here, or email nationaldayofhope@childhelp.org


Childhelp National Day of Hope Annual Congressional Luncheon

Childhelp is continuing the tradition of commemorating the National Day of Hope in our nation’s capitol this year. On April 18, 2007 prominent members of Congress will join Childhelp co-founders Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson to acknowledge the issue of child abuse and neglect in America, and to re-dedicate their efforts to eliminate this tragedy.

Many of these distinguished guests are invited to make heartfelt remarks about Childhelp and their longtime association with our organization. This year’s Day of Hope Honorary Committee includes Senator and Mrs. Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator and Mrs. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Senator and Mrs. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), and Senator and Mrs. Trent Lott (R-MS). This year, we are honored that longtime Childhelp Celebrity Ambassadors Cheryl Ladd, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Ralna English will be in attendance at the Day of Hope luncheon. Our wonderful emcee is Rebecca Cooper of WJLA-TV/ABC 7, a national correspondent for the Washington DC station. This year’s honoree will be Marie Gray and St. John.