Happy Holidays from CAC of the Bluegrass!

We are so thankful for your support throughout the year, and we wish you and yours a happy, healthy holiday season!

Reminder: the Center offices will be CLOSED from Monday, December 26th through Monday, January 2nd. In case of suspected abuse, please call the Child Abuse Hotline at (877) 597-2331. If it is an emergency, dial 911.

The Ray Larson Education Center

On December 8th, CAC of the Bluegrass hosted a group from the 2022/23 Leadership Lexington class in the newly named "Ray Larson Education Center."

On December 2nd, we were proud to formally dedicate the Learning Center at the CAC of the Bluegrass in memory of Ray Larson and his incredible legacy. His impact on the Center cannot be understated. In 1988, Mr. Larson, Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney, asked a committee to review the way child sexual abuse cases were being handled in Fayette County. He also wanted to develop a multidisciplinary team model for investigation, intervention and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Six years later, in 1994, the Children's Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass opened its doors. Throughout his life, Mr. Larson diligently helped guide our organization's mission. He was a relentless advocate for victims of crime, especially the children we serve every day. We continue to be so thankful and grateful for his service on behalf of children.

Board Member Spotlight

Jo Ann Ritchie

Jo Ann Ritchie and her sons Derrick and Michael

Jo Ann Ritchie has been a member of the CAC of the Bluegrass board since 2014. In that time, she has been integral in providing guidance on a number of Center initiatives and has been active in planning the Center’s annual gala. She says she serves on the board because she is passionate about serving children. “There needs to be a strong system in place to help kids who have been through this sort of abuse,” Jo Ann says. “And I love how the Center works with organizations across the community to help serve kids and make sure they don’t fall through the cracks.” Jo Ann also appreciates the way the Center’s staff goes about the work of serving children. “None of the staff thinks ‘this is just a job,’” she says. “You can tell how committed they are to working together to help kids.” One of her proudest moments working on the board is when she and her husband, Mike, were able to sponsor the Medical Center waiting room. “I love knowing that we have been able to help create a safe, comfortable, fun space for the kids to be in when they’re at the Center.

In her free time, Jo Ann likes

spending time with her family, including her husband Mike, their children

Derrick and Michael, and their two grandchildren. If they’re not in Lexington,

you can likely find them on the water somewhere – either at the beach or on a

boat.

Donations and Gatherings

New play kitchens donated by our friends at Padgett Construction

Members of the CACBG team at our Holiday Open House on Dec. 1

Members of the CACBG team (our Georgetown College grads!) at the staff holiday party on Dec. 9

Members of Kristin Jenkins' family at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Kristin's Closet on Nov. 18

The Immanuel Baptist Church Open Doors Bible study group donating items for Kristin's Closet

Even more toy, book, and snack donations from Padgett Construction

Staff Spotlight

Emily Metcalfe

Development Associate

Emily Metcalfe, one of the newest additions to the CACBG team, began her tenure at the Center on December 1st. Before working here, she worked at Elizabeth’s Village; a nonprofit in Georgetown, KY that serves individuals experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence. One of her proudest moments while working there was helping develop and execute a capital campaign to raise funds for a domestic violence shelter program. She is excited to make some new proud moments here at CACBG as our Development Associate, where she will be assisting with fundraising, as well as marketing and communications. When asked why she works here, Emily says, “I am passionate about the services that the Center provides, and want to be a part of ending sexual violence in my community.”

In her free time Emily likes to read, bake bread, travel, and frequent the dog park with her dog, Olive. One of her favorite trips she has taken was to Florence, Italy with her mom. She saw lots of art, and ate lots of pasta and gelato!

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Children's Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass's work is made possible thanks to the generous support of our key partners.