ABOUT GOOD BEGINNINGS

Good Beginnings Last a Lifetime is a public engagement campaign to improve the well being of West Virginia’s children and prevent child abuse and neglect. Individuals, faith communities, and civic groups can receive training and materials to use in increasing public awareness about the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The goal is to engage the public in talking and thinking about the issue and inspiring action on behalf of children. The campaign enlists grassroots partners to deliver its message and action steps at the community level. Partners can utilize campaign tools for their outreach, including a PowerPoint presentation, DVD or video, brochure, poster and other materials. While Good Beginnings is a child abuse prevention campaign, it focuses primarily on good outcomes for children, and what we know works to give them a healthy, prosperous future.

Since 2003, “Good Beginnings” has been used across the state to help West Virginians learn more about the issues and to get involved in their own communities in collaboration to help keep our children safe, healthy, and well-cared for.

Project Sponsors

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation encourages human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania through strategically placed charitable resources. The Benedum Foundation is the primary funder of the Good Beginnings public engagement campaign.

Childspeak Creative is a full service strategic communications and social marketing firm based in West Virginia. The firm has directed a wide variety of public engagement campaigns on issues affecting children and families.

Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia funds community projects, conducts public engagement campaigns, and promotes public policy research and education. PCA-WV is a project of TEAM for West Virginia Children and a state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America.

The West Virginia Children’s Trust Fund raises money for community projects that help children grow up free from abuse and neglect. Contributions are made by West Virginia citizens and businesses and generate matching funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other sources. The Trust Fund is administered by the Governor’s Cabinet on Children and Families.