Oklahoma goes blue to protect children during child abuse prevention month

One in seven children in Oklahoma County will experience abuse—this April, The CARE Center is turning that statistic into action. Oklahoma County’s only child advocacy center is calling on all Oklahomans to join the fight against child abuse this April during its annual Paint the Town Blue campaign in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Paint the Town Blue is more than just a campaign, it’s a movement of unity and visibility for child abuse prevention,” The CARE Center CEO Stacy McNeiland said. “Each person who wears blue, donates or simply shares our message plays a part in breaking the cycle of abuse.”

Designed to spark awareness, build community partnerships and inspire action, the campaign turns Oklahoma blue with public displays, business activations, media engagement and themed events—all aimed at protecting children and supporting survivors. From bridges and buildings glowing blue to themed donuts and coffee sleeves, Paint the Town Blue provides powerful visuals for community solidarity throughout April.

Child abuse remains a critical issue across Oklahoma. In Oklahoma County alone, one in seven children will experience abuse, while 90% of those children know, love and trust their abuser. The CARE Center exists to break this cycle through its compassionate response model. The nonprofit provides forensic interviews, family advocacy, mental health services and prevention education programs like ROAR and Recognizing & Reporting that equip adults and children to recognize, resist and report abuse.

Throughout the month of April, Oklahomans will have several opportunities to support Child Abuse Prevention Month by enjoying blue events, beverages, foods and treats from local partners, including:

• April 1–13: Blue coffee sleeves at all Stella Nova Coffee locations
• April: Order a Cookie Monster donut from Hurts Donuts to benefit The CARE Center.
• April 8: Fundraiser at Chisholm Creek’s Surf Bar from 10 AM–1 PM, with 10% of proceeds benefiting The CARE Center.
• April 13-27: Use code “CARE2025” when ordering cookies at Tiff’s Treats for 20% of proceeds to benefit The CARE Center.
• April 14: Dine at Old Spaghetti Factory in Oklahoma City from 5–9 PM, using code “CARE” where 10% of proceeds will benefit the nonprofit.
• April 29: Family night at Main Event in Oklahoma City from 5 to 8 PM, with 20% of proceeds benefiting The CARE Center.
• April 30: Sip on blue cocktails at The Jones Assembly, where proceeds benefit The CARE Center.

Throughout April, Oklahomans are encouraged to wear blue in solidarity with child abuse survivors, share campaign messages on social media and participate in local events. One easy way to get involved is by snapping a photo in blue and tagging @carecenterok on social media to show support for child abuse survivors.

“Wearing blue is more than a color choice, it’s a show of support for children who need to know their community stands with them. I encourage you to take a stand, wear blue and speak out for these children,” McNeiland continued.

More information, a full event calendar and resources are available at carecenter-okc.org/paint-the-town-blue. Let’s stand united to protect Oklahoma’s children.