Wichita Women Try to Stop Child Abuse With Yard Signs

April 16, 2010

By Kim Hynes (WICHITA, Kan.)

Two child abuse deaths outrage two Wichita women so much, they had to do something about it. So they're handing out yard signs hoping to spur everyone in the community to work to fight child abuse.

"Hello, this is Lily. Yes honey we'll save one for you." Lily Maderen Hill's phone has been ringing off the hook with people wanting a yard sign to help stop child abuse. "Laws need to be changed, all kinds of things need to be done but this is our beginning," Hill said.

It all began after reading about the recent child abuse deaths of Vincent Hill and Karsyn Young. "I was horrified," said Beverly B-Kay Van-Es. But she was also inspired. "I thought okay we can do this."

Van-Es and Hill decided to make yard signs, telling people to call 911 if they suspect child abuse. "By raising the awareness and letting people know people are watching you, maybe we can save some lives," Van-Es said.

Their idea has caught on so much, they have a notebook with four pages of names of people wanting a sign. They spent $600 making 200 yard signs which have already been claimed. They put in an order for another 200. Those will be handed out April 24th. "I'm so thrilled that people are responding in such a beautiful way," Hill said.

If you want a yard sign, you can call and reserve one. Call Lily Maderen Hill at (316) 943-1437 and Beverly B-Kay Van-Es at (316) 838-8601. The women say they believe so much in the cause, they don't mind putting their home phone numbers out to the public. "Our goal is to have a sign on every block in Wichita," Van-Es said.

Aside from yard signs, they would also like to see every church post the message on their marquee for one week. The Pleasant Valley Church at 27th and Amidon put up the message in the rain Friday. Van-Es says it would be a powerful way to spread the word without spending any money.

They say it's important everyone play a role in making sure every child is protected.

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