Pinwheel Garden Planted Monday to Recognize Children in Foster Care in Kent County

This month of April is Child Abuse and Prevention Month. So many children in our community are the innocent victims of abuse and neglect, many more than you would imagine. The fact is, in 2015, 1,059 Kent County children were living in foster care due to child abuse and neglect.

To recognize and bring awareness to that fact, today, Monday April 18, CASA of Kent County will be placing 1,059 blue pinwheels in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids to  honor each of these vulnerable children.

I am honored to be a part of CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, as I serve on the Board of Directors. Our hope is that the "Pinwheel Garden" installation (at the intersection of Pearl and Division streets at St. Mark's Church) will be a visual reminder of the often invisible and voiceless children CASA advocates for in court.

YOU can be part of this effort! Here's how:

• Sponsor some pinwheels! Click here to make an online donation. Just $5/pinwheel to show your support for victims of child abuse and neglect.

• Share on social media! Stop by, snap a photo of the installation this week and share on social media to show your friends and contacts that you stand against child abuse and for vulnerable children. Make sure you tag CASA of Kent County on Facebook and Twitter (@KentCountyCASA), and use the hashtag #pinwheelsforprevention.

There so many children here in Kent County that need our love and support. Will you help?