CAC NEWSLETTER

This past month, we have been so grateful to experience the generosity of our local community coming together in support of the Child Advocacy Center!

Thank you to all the AMAZING individuals who donated during the Amazing Give on April 21st! These funds will be going towards the daily operating costs of the CAC and ensuring that it is a welcoming, safe place for the children we serve to heal. We appreciate your support and helping us celebrate such a giving community.

Last Saturday, we kicked-off the beginning of summer with the 3rd annual Slacker Run (.4K) and it was a lovely day for donuts, beer, and family-fun! Thank you to the host, Oakmont, for putting together this event to benefit the CAC and all the slackers who attended!

As I’m sure you can imagine, children and families in our community are still struggling with the after effects of COVID, financial stressors and uncertainty. Your support ensures that those who have been affected by abuse and violence get the services and support they need when they need it. We are able to help because of you- THANK YOU!

Wishing you and yours lots of love,

This month the Advocacy/Case Management Team continued their exceptional work to support child victims.  One of our advocates, Devon Montague, worked with a caregiver and the Office of the Attorney General to get a child approved for funding through the Victim’s Compensation Fund of Florida. This will allow the child to have specialized therapy to meet the specific needs of the child’s victimization without financial barriers. 

The Advocate/Case Managers are also working with the School Board of Alachua County to access the Hope Scholarships for a client who needs specialized academic environments due to enhance their safety and well-being. The Hope Scholarship is designed to help students transfer to another public or private school due to bullying or harassment. One of our advocates, Kimberly Gragg, worked with a caregiver and child who has experienced bullying at her current school as a result of her victimization. Having the opportunity to transfer schools would assist in the child feeling safe and supported. The success of this application would help to improve the child's educational development and their mental health. 

Daniel is a 15 year old male who came to the attention of the CAC due to a human trafficking experience in 2021. Daniel has also experienced ongoing trauma within his family dynamic. After being able to work through processing his trauma utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Canine Assisted Therapy, Daniel has gained more tools to regulate emotions and gain pro-social skills. Daniel used to have big trauma symptoms that took the form of problematic behaviors. He is no longer engaging in high risk behaviors and has been able to shift his focus on his future. For example, he has sought out different speech contests in order to gain experience as well as college scholarship opportunities. Daniel has a goal to be a trauma responsive therapist and has stated numerous times how safe and supported he feels at the CAC.

How to Help

Interested in being a part of our mission to #breakthecycle? There are several ways you can contribute!

• Child Life Volunteers help out at the center and spend time with children in the waiting area before or after therapy sessions. This weekly commitment is a great way to see the impact CAC services has on children and families.
• Special Events Volunteers help with CAC events through out the year. You can help in advance or day of!