Plymouth community plants pinwheels for child abuse prevention awareness

Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2:54 PM

By Wes Dehne

Pinwheels planted at Bowen Health in Plymouth turned in chilly winds Friday afternoon as the community gathered to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month.

A welcome message for the Pinwheels for Prevention event was shared by Amanda Egger, local office director for the Marshall County Department of Child Services. She began by thanking staff case managers Scott Masson and Laura Janssen for helping plan the event.

"As you can see, they came together and did an excellent job bringing the community out here today," she said.

She also thanked Zachary Cook, director of community engagement for Bowen Health, and recognized a special guest, Indiana DCS Director and Plymouth native Adam Krupp.

She went on to explain the symbol of the pinwheel represents childlike whimsy, lightheartedness and a vision for a world where all children grow up happy, healthy and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities.

Comments were then shared by Melissa Bachtel and Lorri Lemler of Wrapped In Love, a ministry serving anyone touched by foster care in Marshall County.

"It's important for our community to take notice and make sure there are resources and support available for kids at risk to reduce the factors that lead up to child abuse," Lemler said.

In that effort, Bachtel added that Wrapped In Love is excited to partner with DCS in any way it can.

A proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month was then read aloud by Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger, who asked for audience participation in support.

"This is a time for us to come together as a community to raise awareness about the critical issue of child abuse and neglect," he began. "We are all here today to reaffirm our commitment to the protection of the most precious members of society, our children."

He added that child abuse is a heartbreaking reality that affects countless children across the nation.

"It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential," he said, highlighting the importance of vigilance, education and advocacy in preventing child abuse and supporting those that make it their mission to do the same.

He extended gratitude to Marshall County CASA and its volunteers, DCS, Bowen Health and police officers for all playing a vital role in the protection, care and keeping of the county's vulnerable children.

"As we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month, let us all take a moment to reflect on the role we have in making a positive difference for children in our community," he said. "No one can do everything, but every single one of us can do something."

Whether it is through volunteering, supporting local organizations like CASA or simply being vigilant and reporting suspected abuse, he noted every action counts.

"Together, we can and will create a safer, more nurturing environment for our children," he added. "Let us continue to work toward a future where every child is free from the fear of abuse and neglect, and where they can grow up feeling loved, valued and protected."

Following his proclamation, attendees were invited to plant pinwheels along the sidewalk. They will remain up through the month to raise prevention awareness.