(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Despite a little drizzle, people gathered at Muskingum Park Saturday for the third annual Child Abuse Awareness Month event hosted by the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services. The event featured bouncy houses, character performances and multiple community resources aimed at strengthening family connections.

MARIETTA — Washington County Department of Job and Family Services hosted its third annual Child Abuse Awareness Month event Saturday at Muskingum Park, offering free activities and support for local families.

“This is our third year doing it, we plan to do it every year on the last weekend of April,” Prevention Worker Katie Radabaugh said.

Radabaugh and fellow prevention workers Karlee Hill and Lory Bruce said the event featured bouncy houses, character performances and multiple community resources aimed at strengthening family connections.

“We just want to plan a day for families to come out and enjoy fun things for free. Our job is all about keeping families together and working with them to kind of make something that’s maybe not going so well, better,” Hill said. “And this event is for families to just enjoy.”

Some of the activities families could enjoy included bouncy houses from Thomas Family Entertainment, Spider-man and Elsa were on hand for pictures, face painting by Happy Face Paints, R&R Highland Farms had a petting zoo and a magic show by JD Williamson and Friends.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Washington County Department of Job and Family Services Prevention Workers Katie Radabaugh, Karlee Hill and Lory Bruce pose for a picture with Spider-man and Elsa during the orginization’s third annual Child Abuse Awareness Month event Saturday held at Muskingum Park.

“We really just enjoy parents interacting with their kids and having fun together,” Hill said.

Integrated Services for Behavioral Health Counseling Intern Kelsey Hall said this event showed the spirit of the Marietta community and was about creating joyful moments which inspire long-term change.

“Every connection matters,” Hall said. “Prevention isn’t just about intervention — it’s about making every child feel seen, safe, and celebrated. We didn’t just hand out flyers today – we handed out hope.”

Child Abuse Awareness Month reminds people that even small acts of kindness, attention and support can change a child’s world, Hall said.

“Every smile, every high-five, every bubble was a reminder that prevention is something joyful we can all be part of,” he said. “Today is about creating safe spaces, not just here at the park, but in every home and every heart.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Charlotte Stull doesn’t know what to make of a friendly pig Saturday at the R&R Highland Farms petting zoo during the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services’ third annual Child Abuse Awareness Month event held at Muskingum Park.

“Prevention starts with connection. When we take time to listen, to laugh and to show up for kids — whether it’s with a bubble gun or a listening ear — we’re building the kind of community where children can grow up safe and strong.”

The event showcased local organizations including Help Me Grow, the Washington County Family and Children First and the Washington County Behavioral Health Board.

“They put in a lot of money to be able to help us to fund this event,” Hill said “So we really want to thank them for that. And the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, they also have given money to help fund this event.”

The organization’s primary goal is to keep families together and improve their circumstances, providing hope and practical support for those facing challenges, she said.

For more information or assistance, families are encouraged to contact Washington County Job and Family Services.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Integrated Services for Behavioral Health Counseling Intern Kelsey Hall and Washington County Supervisor Erin Taylor blows bubbles as Ellis Jane Arthurs colors at their booth during the third annual Child Abuse Awareness Month event Saturday at Muskingum Park. The event was hosted by the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services and featured free activities and support for local families.

“If any family, or if anybody knows a family that needs some help, some support, tell them to give us a call and we’ll see if we can help them in some way,” Hill said.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Xyna Pacheco, right, gets her face painted by Happy Face Paints owner, artist and designer Valerie Gustafson Saturday at Muskingum Park for the third annual Child Abuse Awareness Month event hosted by the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services. The event featured bouncy houses, character performances and multiple community resources aimed at strengthening family connections.

(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Caleb Grasley takes a swing at one of the interactive bounce houses during the third annual Child Abuse Awareness Month event Saturday at Muskingum Park. The event was hosted by the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services and featured free activities and support for local families.