NWOSU Logo in white
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Paying For College
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • Transcript Request
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Paying For College
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • Transcript Request
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • May 5, 2025
  • NWOSU Admin

Northwestern SWAT Supports Awareness Through Wooden Children Project

Northwestern SWAT members “fostered” two Wooden Children during The Care Campus’s 2025 Wooden Children Project. Pictured are (left to right) Maureen Torres, Mona Henos, Lorina Jibas, Anna Lara, Haylee Sellers, James Fanning, Lizbeth Lopez, Emey Lopez and Codi Harding, assistant professor of social work and SWAT sponsor.

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) proudly participated in the Wooden Children Project, an annual awareness initiative organized by The CARE Campus and Fourth Judicial District CASA Program of Oklahoma.

Throughout the month of April, handcrafted wooden child figures—each symbolizing a confirmed case of child abuse or neglect—are displayed on the Garfield County Courthouse lawn in Enid.

Project organizers noted that in 2024, there were 263 confirmed cases in Garfield County; 72 in Woodward County; 46 in Blaine County; 21 in Major County; 29 in Kingfisher County; and 12 in Grant County.

They added that although these numbers reflect the confirmed cases, it is important to note that child abuse is often underreported, highlighting the ongoing need for increased community awareness and action.

The CARE Campus, formerly the Garfield County Child Advocacy Council, has organized the Wooden Children Project for more than a decade. Each figure, approximately two to three feet tall, is cut and painted by local volunteers. For a sponsorship of $35, individuals, organizations and businesses can “foster” a wooden child by dressing and displaying them as part of the campaign.

Throughout the month of April, handcrafted wooden child figures—each symbolizing a confirmed case of child abuse or neglect—are displayed on the Garfield County Courthouse lawn.

Throughout the month of April, handcrafted wooden child figures—each symbolizing a confirmed case of child abuse or neglect—are displayed on the Garfield County Courthouse lawn.

This year, Northwestern’s SWAT chapter fostered two wooden children, contributing to the visual representation of abused and neglected children in the area.

“This initiative aims to increase awareness of the prevalence of child abuse and neglect within our communities,” said Codi Harding, SWAT sponsor and assistant professor of social work. “SWAT hopes this project reminds the community that we all share responsibility in safeguarding children.”

Beyond raising awareness, the Wooden Children Project serves as a call to action. The CARE Campus encourages community members to get involved by sponsoring a wooden child, volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or donating to support local advocacy efforts.

“Together, we can help protect children and create a safer future for all,” Harding said.

As part of their commitment to child welfare, SWAT also reminds the public that all Oklahoma residents are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect.

To get involved or learn more, contact The CARE Campus at (580) 242-1153, visit the Northwestern Department of Social Work webpage at www.www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work, or contact Harding by email at clharding@nwosu.edu or phone at (580) 213-3148.

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
sjdoherty@nwosu.edu | (580) 327-8480

Share:

More Posts

NWOSU Choir members singing at a concert.

NWOSU Choirs to Present ‘Songs of Life, Love, Legacy’ Nov. 3

Members of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Singers, Chorale and Concert Choir will perform their fall concert at First Presbyterian Church in Alva on Tuesday,

Jacie Willson, a Northwestern Oklahoma State University Upward Bound Math Science student, smiles in a portrait wearing a brown blouse against a mottled gold backdrop.

Alva Upward Bound Student Earns TRIO Strong Scholarship

Alva Upward Bound Student Earns TRIO Strong Scholarship ALVA, Okla. — Jacie Willson, a concurrent high school senior from Alva, Oklahoma, and participant in Northwestern

Large bronze-toned abstract metal sculpture roped off with red velvet stanchions inside the two-story Northwestern library, lined with bookshelves. Overlaid text reads "#2 in Oklahoma, Master of Education in School Counseling, 2027." A teal badge reads "Top Ranked Counseling Program, Counseling Psychology." The Northwestern Oklahoma State University logo with its bronc rider emblem appears at the bottom.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University School Counseling Program Ranks No. 2 in Oklahoma

Northwestern Oklahoma State University School Counseling Program Ranks No. 2 in Oklahoma Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s graduate school counseling program is ranked No. 2 in

Cadence Long-Torres, a Northwestern Oklahoma State University senior psychology major, smiles in a portrait wearing a white blouse with black polka dots against a mottled gold backdrop.

Northwestern Student Earns TRIO Strong Scholarship Award

Northwestern Student Earns TRIO Strong Scholarship Award Cadence Long-Torres, a senior psychology major from Moore, received the Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance TRIO Strong Scholarship

PrevPreviousNorthwestern to Begin Summer Work Hours on May 19; Specific Offices to Remain Open
NextNorthwestern Enid Campus to play host to Social Studies Workshops May 28-29Next
NWOSU Logo in white
  • 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717
  • Phone: (580) 327-1700
Navigation
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Paying For College
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • Transcript Request
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Paying For College
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • Transcript Request
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
Quick Links
  • University News
  • Online Application
  • Title IX Info
  • Sitemap
  • Employee Directory
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Snapchat Youtube Flickr Pinterest Linkedin

Mission Statement

Northwestern Oklahoma State University provides quality educational and cultural opportunities to learners with diverse needs by cultivating ethical leadership and service, critical thinking and fiscal responsibility.

RUSO logo in white

Privacy Policy | Powered by High Five Media

  • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Our Traditions
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment
    • Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
    • University Relations
    • Enid Campus
    • Woodward Campus
  • Academics
    • Academic Calendar
    • Honors Program
    • School of Arts & Sciences
    • School of Professional Studies
    • Graduate Studies
    • Course Schedules
    • Course Rotations
    • Plans of Study
    • Paying For College
    • Study Abroad
  • Admissions
    • Visit Northwestern
    • Online Programs
    • Transfer Student Information
    • Office of Recruitment
    • Prospective Student Questionnaire
  • Student Life
    • Living on Campus
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Student Services
    • Academic Success Center
    • Library Services
    • Career Services
  • Resources
    • Email Access
    • Self-Service
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • NWOSU Bookstore
    • Campus Safety
  • Athletics
  • Alumni
  • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Our Traditions
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment
    • Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
    • University Relations
    • Enid Campus
    • Woodward Campus
  • Academics
    • Academic Calendar
    • Honors Program
    • School of Arts & Sciences
    • School of Professional Studies
    • Graduate Studies
    • Course Schedules
    • Course Rotations
    • Plans of Study
    • Paying For College
    • Study Abroad
  • Admissions
    • Visit Northwestern
    • Online Programs
    • Transfer Student Information
    • Office of Recruitment
    • Prospective Student Questionnaire
  • Student Life
    • Living on Campus
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Student Services
    • Academic Success Center
    • Library Services
    • Career Services
  • Resources
    • Email Access
    • Self-Service
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • NWOSU Bookstore
    • Campus Safety
  • Athletics
  • Alumni