Clovis Residents Plant Pinwheels to Honor Child Abuse Survivors

Community gathers to raise awareness and support for child abuse prevention efforts

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of several pinwheels spinning in the wind, with blurred figures in the background kneeling to plant them in the ground. The image is composed of soft, warm pools of light and color, evoking a sense of whimsy and resilience.The pinwheels, a symbol of childhood, spin fiercely in the wind as the Clovis community gathers to honor child abuse survivors and renew their commitment to prevention.Clovis Today

Residents of Clovis, New Mexico gathered outside the offices of the Roosevelt General Hospital Children's Alliance to plant pinwheels in the lawn, a symbolic gesture to honor child abuse survivors and raise awareness about preventing child abuse. The event, held in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, drew members of law enforcement, child welfare organizations, and community leaders who shared personal stories and emphasized the importance of the community coming together to protect children.

Why it matters

Child abuse is a pervasive issue that affects children and families across the country. Events like this pinwheel planting help to destigmatize the topic, provide a platform for survivors to share their stories, and mobilize the community to get involved in prevention efforts. The Roosevelt General Hospital Children's Alliance plays a crucial role in supporting children and families impacted by abuse in the local area.

The details

During the ceremony, participants placed pinwheels in the ground while sharing personal messages of survivorship and resilience. Meagan Russell, a survivor of child sexual abuse, read a prepared statement about how the cause is deeply personal to her and how the pinwheels stand as symbols of remembrance, awareness, and acknowledgement. Kathy Phoenix-Doyle of the state Children, Youth and Families Department emphasized that ending child abuse is a community responsibility and that organizations like the Children's Alliance make an enormous difference in the local fight against child abuse.

  • The event was held on Friday, April 4, 2026 in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
  • The Roosevelt General Hospital Children's Alliance was established through a partnership with Arise Sexual Assault Services and Child Advocacy Center.

The players

Meagan Russell

A survivor of child sexual abuse who shared a personal message during the pinwheel planting ceremony.

Trevor Thron

The Clovis Police Chief who participated in the pinwheel planting ceremony.

Kaye Green

The chief executive officer for Roosevelt General Hospital, who thanked the staff of the Children's Alliance for their important work.

Kathy Phoenix-Doyle

A representative from the state Children, Youth and Families Department who traveled from Santa Fe to attend the event.

Roosevelt General Hospital Children's Alliance

A child-friendly facility that provides services to children and families impacted by abuse, including forensic interviews, medical exams, advocacy, and in-home family support.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As I place my pinwheel, I do so in honor of myself and my younger sister. We are survivors of child sexual abuse. This cause is deeply personal to me and has shaped my life's mission - to give a voice to those who feel they cannot speak, and to provide the support that I did not have during my own experience.”

— Meagan Russell

“These pinwheels stand as symbols of remembrance, awareness, and acknowledgement. They remind us not only of how far we have come in protecting our children, but also of the work that still lies ahead.”

— Meagan Russell

“It only takes one person to change a child's life. Each of you here represents that possibility - the power to make a difference, to protect and to advocate.”

— Meagan Russell, Director of the Children's Alliance

“I think what we do in healthcare is a noble mission to begin with, but what these folks do is a God-given calling. So I just want to thank you all for the work that you do. It's so meaningful.”

— Kaye Green, Chief Executive Officer, Roosevelt General Hospital

“We rely on everyone to be part of that village and support our children and our families. It takes all of us.”

— Kathy Phoenix-Doyle, Children, Youth and Families Department

What’s next

The Roosevelt General Hospital Children's Alliance will continue its work providing critical services and support to children and families impacted by abuse in the Clovis community.

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of community involvement and collective action in the fight against child abuse. By coming together to honor survivors and raise awareness, the Clovis community is taking an important step towards creating a world where all children can grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed.