Pinwheels for Prevention: Bringing Awareness to the Issue of Child Abuse

A bright blue garden of 850 pinwheels is sparkling in the sun on the Municipal Center grounds along Princess Anne Road in honor of April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse prevention and the Virginia Beach Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) office coordinated the pinwheel garden to bring awareness to this issue.

Representing playfulness, joy and childhood, the pinwheel has come to serve as a physical reminder of the happy childhoods we want for all children. This year, a group of military members from the First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) Military Sealift Command volunteered to help install the pinwheels.

For more than 30 years, Virginia Beach CASA has worked to recruit, train and support volunteers who play a vital role in the lives of abused and neglected children who are thrust into the court process and often, into foster care.

CASA volunteers serve as advocates for these children as they navigate the courts system, with the ultimate goal to identify safe, permanent homes as soon as possible. It is incredibly challenging work, but one child at a time, CASA volunteers are making a difference in our community through the services they provide.

Virginia Beach CASA is hosting their annual fundraising gala, “A Night for the Stars,” on Saturday, April 22, 6:30-11 p.m. at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The public is invited to support this event by purchasing tickets to attend, making a contribution, or by donating an item for the auction. For sponsorship and ticket information, visit www.virginiabeachcasa.org/events.

CASA is in need of people from all walks of life who care about children to serve as volunteers. For more information on becoming a Virginia Beach Court Appointed Special Advocate, please visit www.virginiabeachcasa.org/advocate.