April 16, 2013
04/17/13 April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and the Indiana Department of Child Services across the state of Indiana held 92 candlelight vigils simultaneously in each county. The vigils were to raise the awareness of child abuse and prevention.
The Marshall County Office held their candlelight vigil in the parking lot of their office at 2125 North Oak Road, between Jimmy Johns and Wings. Michael Carroll, Director of the local DCS office welcomed everyone to the event. Representatives participating in the candlelight vigil include law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, CASA and their volunteers, employees of the DCS office, parents and the general public. More than 50 citizens were on hand.
Plymouth Mayor, Mark Senter read a proclamation where he called upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in the efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and neglect and strengthening the community in which we live.
Haley Kittrell, new Director of the local CASA office passed out candles and pinwheels. She said the pinwheels symbolize the childhood each child deserves. Prior to a moment of silence, Pastor Mark Leed from the Trinity United Methodist Church told those gathered that the candle is shining the light in the darkness so no child will experience child abuse and or neglect alone.
