April 2, 2026 (Photo Album) - The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center gathered along with the community for the 15th Butterfly Release on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 on the Historic Downtown Square despite the forecast of rain. Gusting winds didn't stop the fun activity of releasing the waking butterflies from their blue envelopes to carry a message of hope for a future without child abuse.
In front of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office, Collin Mathews, President of the Board of Directors of the SCCAC, thanked everyone for attending and shared the importance of shining a light on something which is often kept in the dark. He added, "It is about hope, healing, and resiliance for the children that we serve."
Bro. Rob Merriman from Shelbyville First Baptist Church then shared a prayer of protection over the children and the Children's Advocacy Center. He asked for comfort for those in pain and comfort for the families, as well as hope for the future. He also gave thanks for the Advocacy Center and the job they do.
The Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center Team
The microphone was then passed to City of Center Mayor David Chadwick who is also the Farmers State Bank President. Farmers State Bank is the sponsor for the butterfly release.
Mayor Chadwick addressed the crowd describing this year being unique because of the event happening during a Holy Week with Easter being on Sunday and the relevance of it in relation to the children. Mayor Chadwick then instructed everyone to let their butterflies out of the little blue triangle envelopes so they could wake up and fly!
Resources:
- Shelbycountycac.com - Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center
- CACTX.org - Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas
- Childwelfare.gov - National Child Abuse Prevention Month
- Preventchildabuse.org - Child Abuse Prevention Month
