Thursday March 28th, 2024 3:32PM

Local family support group, Family Ties, holds annual pinwheel planting

Family Ties-Gainesville commemorated Prevent Child Abuse Month by "planting" pinwheels and releasing balloons on the lawn of First Baptist Church on Green Street Saturday morning. 

Dee Dee Mize, the Executive Director of non-profit family support group Family Ties, said every pinwheel has a special significance. 

"In the last year we have had 687 cases of child abuse and neglect in Hall County in the last year. And the pinwheels we have planted here today represent those cases that are happening here."

Mize added that her program focuses not only on working with children impacted by abuse or neglect, but also parents.

"We work on all of the issues that families deal with. Most of the folks that have abused or neglected their children have been abused or neglected themselves. I would say 95 percent of them to be honest," said Mize.

In its 27-year history, Family Ties has served an average of 2,000 families each year, according to officials with the non-profit. 

To find out how to participate or to make a donation, contact Family Ties at 770-287-3071.

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