When a Child Needs Justice, Hope & Healing
Meet Sophia. At the sweet age of five, she’s looking forward to starting kindergarten in the coming school year. But unlike her future classmates, she has a dark secret. The reason Sophia is ready for school to start is because it is a way to get away from the person who has been abusing her. You see, the person abusing her is a family member that she is forced to see often. By going to school she has some time and space away from this person. School also gives her a way to think about anything but those encounters.
Unfortunately, Sophia’s story is not an uncommon one. Far too many children, boys and girls alike, have been abused; physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect… and possibly have experienced more than one. These children deserve justice, hope and healing from the abuse they have experienced.
70% of children seen were involved in sexual abuse cases
98% of child victims knew their alleged perpetrator
21% were not old enough to attend kindergarten
34% of children initially seen are suicidal
Increase in Services 2014 to 2018
Forensic Interviews: 64%
Individual Child Therapy Sessions: 198%
Family Advocacy Services: 39%
Growing Demand
Growing Demand
The tragic news is the demand for our services is growing significantly. Last year there were 1,350 individuals seen and treated. In the first quarter of 2016, the three staff therapists conducted a total of 900 therapy sessions, equating to over 100 clients per month per therapist… on track for 20-3090 year-to-year increase in demand for services. Further, we have exhausted our rooms to meet for interviews and sessions, with children on a wait list for help.
The 2014 opening of the Chisholm Trail expressway has created an influx of people to Johnson County from throughout the Fort Worth-Dallas metroplex. The population is booming with projections of 3,000-5,000 new homes in the next five years.
Our Current Challenge… “4 x 1 Project”!
Our Current Challenge… “4 x 1 Project”!
Thank you Johnson County for helping us meet our Mabee Grant Challenge! Thanks to your generosity and the generosity of the Mabee Foundation, their gift to our campaign totaled over $880,000 for our “Forever Home Capital Campaign”. What an incredible blessing!
Our 4×1 Challenge is now focused on helping us finish our campaign, so we can move into our new building debt free. We need to raise $400,000 more dollars along with securing some additional grant funding to ensure we reach this goal. Many people working together can make this happen. A monthly gift of $25 makes a huge difference. For those that can give larger gifts, or are possibly looking for a naming opportunity, we would welcome those as well. Any gift, no matter the amount, will make a difference.
As we work on raising these funds, the construction team has been hard at work making sure all the utilities are in place, the new parking lot is in place and now they are working to finish up the fire lanes and front entry. The steel for the building is scheduled for delivery and the trusses are already on site. The next few weeks will be really exciting as we watch the vertical work begin on the building. If you would like to tour the new location, please contact the Center and we will set up an appointment with the Construction Team.
This building has been thoughtfully designed to serve children impacted by abuse. Each room has had intentional planning behind it that would ensure that children entering the building would be provided a warm and welcoming environment. Natural light will flood the building, bright colors will welcome children, private family rooms will increase our ability to serve sensitively and compassionately, staff will. no longer be crowded three to an office, therapy clients will have their own entrance, security will be greatly increased and the natural beauty of the property will factor into our ability to provide outdoor therapy sessions and increased mental health services. This building will amplify the ability of our team to expand victim services in such a way that we are able to provide justice, hope and healing at a higher level.
This is not just a new commercial building. It is a place for children and families to come and heal when they have been broken by abuse. It is a place where new beginnings happen and hope is restored. We would consider it an honor to have you join us in making this building a reality for the children of our county. Please contact Tammy King at the Children’s Advocacy Center for more information or to schedule an appointment.
What’s the Plan?
What’s the Plan?
Our goal to build our forever home is a three phase campaign. Phase One was to purchase the property, debt- free, and get the plans for the new building. We have completed that! We found a 10-acre tract with 30,000 square feet of concrete slab ready to go.
Phase two is broken into two separate parts. In the first part of phase two we are planning to raise $1,000,000 in cash before beginning construction. The plans built in phase one provide for 16,500 square feet, including a spacious reception area, rooms for interviews, therapy, parenting group sessions, children’s play area, team meeting space and ample parking space. With the generosity from community members gifts and pledges, as well as commitments from the Amon G. Carter Foundation and The Texas Methodist foundation, we are well on our way to completing the first part.
The second part of phase two will encompass building out the remaining square footage, the majority of which will be a training facility to accommodate the B4UClick trainings. The plan entails outfitting the training space with 25 computers complete with state-of-the-art software, and multimedia capability. Current training on B4UClick have been hampered significantly by sub-standard and inconsistent computer capabilities at training sites available in school districts and other community agencies. Having the trainings at our office will ensure the sessions are highly productive and successful.
What can I do to help Sophia & other kids like her?
What can I do to help Sophia & other kids like her?
Our mission is to provide each child, boys and girls alike, that has suffered abuse with justice, hope and healing. It is only with your help that we will be able to provide for the growing need in Johnson County. With your support, we will be able to take care of the growing needs of the children that have suffered abuse. Please help us build a space to provide more justice, hope and healing for our children.