“Pinwheels for Prevention” around Baker County highlight child abuse awareness
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — If you travel around Baker County this month, you’ll see more and more blue and silver pinwheels in yards, parks, and public spaces.
These pinwheels are part of the “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about child abuse and promote efforts to prevent it during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The campaign is spearheaded by Court Appointed Special Advocates of Eastern Oregon(CASA), Building Healthy and the Oregon Department of Human Services.
“We spend April spreading awareness of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, as well as the importance of our communities working as a team to support and strengthen families in hopes to reduce and/or prevent child maltreatment,” said Wendy Simer,Training & Operations Coordinator for CASA.
According to Wendy, CASA will symbolize the number of children in care through the number of pinwheels displayed. Each pinwheel may signify different circumstances: one color may represent children who have a volunteer advocate (providing them a voice in court), while another color may signify those who are still awaiting representation.
“We serve six counties and work with our partners in each county to best represent the specific area,” said Simer. “Our intent of the campaign is to spread awareness as well as recruit more support for these children in the areas of a voice (volunteer advocate), a safe placement, or other area of need.”
