ROCHELLE — Community members gathered Friday at City Hall for the Hands Around the City event to mark Child Abuse Prevention Month and promote awareness and action to protect children. The event, organized by Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center and CASA 15th Judicial Circuit, featured remarks from Executive Director Jessica Cash and CASA Executive Director Trisha Howard, along with Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows and abuse survivor Patrick Janes. Cash said the annual event highlights the need for community involvement, noting Shining Star serves more than 200 children each year in Ogle and Lee counties and plans to open a satellite office in Oregon to improve access to services.
“There have been several stories in the news recently that show child abuse isn’t just a big city problem. It happens in small communities. It happens everywhere. So we’re really appreciative of everyone who joined us today for Hands Around the City. And just a reminder that everyone can look out for children. It doesn’t have to be DCFS or law enforcement. Anyone can make a report. Anyone can look for signs of abuse, talk to kids, and make sure they’re safe,” Cash said.
Howard outlined CASA’s role in advocating for abused and neglected children in court through trained volunteers. Bearrows urged residents to stay vigilant and involved, saying, “Child abuse is not always visible, does not always leave bruises that we can see… but its impact is always profound.” Janes shared his personal story of abuse and recovery, emphasizing the importance of listening to children and supporting advocacy services. Organizers said the event aims to encourage reporting suspected abuse, support families, and reinforce that protecting children is a shared community responsibility.