ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. --- CASA of the Heartland recently kicked off National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is observed in April each year, with a series of community Pinwheel Planting events across the region.
With the help of volunteers from the community, a total of 4,500 pinwheels will be planted across Hardin, LaRue, Meade, Grayson and Breckinridge counties. The pinwheels are planted at the Elizabethtown Police Department, Lincoln Square in Hodgenville, Brandenburg Telephone Company, Grayson County Chamber of Commerce in Leitchfield, and soon Hardinsburg Nursing and Rehabilitation, as the original event was postponed due to widespread flooding.
This year was the first time the event was held by CASA of the Heartland in Meade, Breckinridge and Grayson counties since their expansion into the counties last year.
"We are deeply committed to supporting both our volunteers and the children they serve across our region," said CASA of the Heartland Executive Director Michelle Kail. "By placing pinwheels in every county we serve, we’re sending a powerful message — that every child deserves a safe, happy, and healthy childhood. These pinwheels are a symbol of hope and a reminder of our unwavering dedication to protecting and advocating for our community’s most vulnerable children."
The pinwheels will remain planted in each location until the end of April to raise awareness of the need for child abuse prevention and advocacy on behalf of impacted children.
"Child abuse prevention is a crucial conversation—one that’s often difficult but deeply necessary," said Kail. "Our hope is that these pinwheels will not only catch your eye but also spark meaningful discussions that can lead to greater awareness, understanding, and ultimately, protection for our children."
CASA of the Heartland was originally organized in Hardin County in 2007 to recruit, train, and support community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused, neglected and dependent children under the protection of the Hardin County Family Court system. Over the past two years, CASA has expanded to include LaRue, Meade, Breckinridge and Grayson counties. The organization encourages residents to learn and recognize the signs of abuse. Kentucky ranks 14th in the U.S. for the number of reported child abuse and neglect cases, and there are currently 76 children on the waitlist for a CASA advocate in the Heartland.
To get involved with CASA of the Heartland or to learn more about their mission, visit casaheartland.org or call 270-982-2274.
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