Author: Ryan Hill and Scott Coleman
April 17, 2019 – Volunteers across DHHS observed Child Abuse Prevention Month by planting more than 5,000 Pinwheels for Prevention.
The pinwheel gardens raise awareness for community activities that support families and public policies that prioritize preventing child abuse and neglect. In fiscal year 2017-18, the Division of Social Services confirmed 28,838 children were victims of abuse or neglect in North Carolina.
In early April, 300 pinwheels were planted at the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) offices on Six Forks Road in Raleigh.
On April 15, the fourth annual planting at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh took place and featured 1,700 pinwheels.
DHHS Staff participated in a Pinwheels for Prevention planting on April 15 at the State Farmers Market.
The next day, more than 25 employees from the Division of Public Health (DPH) planted 3,400 pinwheels at the entrance to their Six Forks Road campus. Public Health Administrative Specialist Kendra Rocha organized the event with employees from across DPH participating.
Staffers at DPH participated in a Pinwheels for Prevention planting on April 16.
Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign supported by Prevent Child Abuse NC. The effort recognizes the importance of safe and nurturing relationships for all children. Since 2008, nearly 3.5 million pinwheels have been displayed across the nation.
Participants at the State Farmers Market Pinwheel Planting: Erin Baluyot, Kim Best, Latalvin Branch, Ginger Caldwell, Wendy Clewis, Kathy Dobbs, Joann Freeman, Mary Mackins, Meisha Matthews, Melanie Meeks, Debra McHenry, Rebecca Planchard, Lymari Rentas-Gonzalez, Beth Riley, Kimaree Sanders, LaShonda Stanley and Shirley Williams
Participants at the DCDEE Pinwheel Planting: Christy Alston, Tammy Barnes, Justin Berrier, Breania Best, Anna Carter, Ketica Cleveland, Samantha Clevenger, Lorena Gonzalez, Carrie Guilliams, Mandy Holland, Kevin Hornaday, Cassie Inscho, LaDonna Jones, Alison Keisler, Andrea Lewis, Charity Martin, Jessica Mosley, Angie Parker, Lorie Pugh, Valerie Raeford, Kristi Snuggs, Carmine Spinks, Melissa Stevenson, Ingrid Tyson, Dawn Winn-Burdo, Janice Wright, Beverly Yates and Amy Zimmerman
Participants at the DPH Pinwheel Planting: Diane Beth, Brian Deese, Kristen Dodge, Marcia Fort, Glennis Gillespie, Wendy Holmes, Dr. Kelly Kimple, Tara Lucas, Amy Overcash, Glinda Robertson, Kendra Rocha, Cassandra Rogers, Adrinnia Singletary, Janet Stoudemire, Marilyn Suitt, Marshall Tyson and Erika Williams