Pinwheels for Prevention
More Than Just Pinwheels: Planting a Promise for Rock County’s Children
This April, the air in Rock County had a lingering chill, but our spirits were anything but cold. We gathered as a community to plant our annual pinwheel garden, a sea of bright blue spinning in the wind. To a passerby, it’s a beautiful display. To us, it’s a promise that every child in our community deserves a safe, stable, and happy childhood.
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The Meaning in the Spin
The pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse prevention. It represents playfulness, whimsy, and the childhood every child deserves. This year, we planted approximately 3,000 pinwheels, one for every report of child abuse or neglect made in Rock County each year.
Once the event is over and the pinwheels are eventually packed away, the need for a stable, consistent presence in the lives of children in the child welfare system remains.
Right now, there are children in our community navigating complex legal and social "systems" without a dedicated voice. They need more than a symbol; they need an advocate.
​Bridging the Gap from Symbol to Support
We know that for many people, the idea of stepping into the legal system can feel intimidating. You might have questions like:
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"Is the training too difficult?" We provide thorough training and support to ensure you feel ready before you ever step into your case.
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"Do I have enough time?" Our volunteers have flexible schedules, using pockets of time during the week to make a tangible difference.
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"Is it too emotional?" While the work is high-impact, you are never alone. CASA provides the support and resources to help you stay focused on seeing a child thrive.
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If you were there on Saturday, you saw the answer to those questions. You saw neighbors, professionals, and community members from all walks of life who are simply people who decided to show up.
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The Power of One Voice
As a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), your role is to be the one constant person in a child’s life. You get to know them, their needs, and their dreams, and then you speak up for their best interests in court. It is a unique opportunity to leave our community better than we found it.
Our volunteers are the "steady hands" that help children move through the system and into safe, permanent homes.
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The pinwheels were a beautiful start, but the real work happens in the advocacy that follows. Whether you are a young professional, a busy parent, or someone looking for a way to give back, we need your unique perspective. Apply to be a CASA and learn more about our next training sessions here.