CONCORDIA — Raising awareness of the free services offered by Northcentral Kansas CASA and Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center for children who have been abused, neglected and traumatized was the goal in March and April.

Activities during and before National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April included chamber coffees, presentations, interviews and fundraisers. Signs and pinwheels covered the six-county service area. A dodge ball tournament, free movies offered in four communities, a pancake feed and Wear Blue Day were highlights.

Five new volunteers agreed to serve as court-appointed special advocates for children as a result of the additional publicity. A grant covered the cost of many events held.