Walking for a Cause – Marianna Supports Efforts to Protect Children

By: Shelia Mader

Community members gathered in Marianna last week as part of the statewide “Walk in My Shoes” campaign, an initiative led by Lauren’s Kids to raise awareness about child sexual abuse prevention and support for survivors. The walk, held during Child Abuse Prevention Month, is part of a larger effort that stretches across Florida each year to encourage education, vigilance, and community involvement in protecting children from abuse and exploitation.

Among those taking part in the Marianna event was Jackson County School Board member Chephus Granberry, who joined supporters in walking to help bring attention to the cause. Granberry said protecting children is a responsibility shared by the entire community.

“This is a cause everyone should support,” Granberry said. “We have to be vigilant in protecting our children and insure they have a safe childhood.”

The “Walk in My Shoes” campaign focuses on prevention education, recognizing warning signs of abuse, promoting online safety, and helping communities better understand how to protect children from exploitation. Organizers say community involvement is critical in creating safer environments where children can grow up free from abuse and fear.

The walk in Marianna began on Penn Avenue and continued through downtown Marianna.