2009 ANNUAL REPORT UNFORTUNATELY, I AM ONE OF MANY. Emily’s mom was being abused by her live-in boyfriend. He was also sexually abusing Emily. Emily’s mom knew and did nothing. Emily finally found the courage to tell someone the horrific details of her young life. She then found herself placed in a foster home among strangers, scared and confused, as a criminal investigation began. Emily then received much needed child focused services through the CACCT. She found hope healing and what every child deserves… a safe loving permanent home. We could not change what happened to Emily, but we changed what happened next. I was afraid to tell what happened because I thought I would get in trouble. When I came here I was able to tell and I feel better. My counselor helped me to learn to stop having scary dreams and to feel safe. – 9 year old female Inside this issue: Services & Statistics 2-3 Staff, Board of Directors, ED Note 4 Volunteers 5 Donors & Supporters 6-7 Financials 8 2009 SERVICES TO CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) 425 CHILDREN SERVED IN 2009 Forensic Interviews: Provide a neutral, safe, and child friendly environment for child abuse victims to receive services. The program provides trained interviewers specializing in taking abuse allegation statements from children using a non-leading technique. Trained forensic interviewers help to provide a more accurate and consistent account of the abuse from the child victim. Multidisciplinary Case Review Teams: The MDT meets regularly to discuss all referred cases residing in Bell/Coryell counties. The team consists of staff, CPS, law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, medical, and therapeutic personnel. The team’s goal is to coordinate and collaborate investigations and services to child abuse victims. Family Advocacy and Referral: All non-offending family and child victims receive support, information, resources, and referrals to assist them through a very traumatic and difficult time. Mental Health Counseling, Referral and Support Groups: One of the most important factors in healing trauma is counseling. Our Mental Health program focuses on children and their families who may not otherwise participate in counseling. We offer support and treatment groups for both victims and their nonoffending caregivers. In 2010, we will partner with Tyson’s Corner Ranch in Lampassas to provide Equine group therapy to girls who have been sexually abused. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) 286 CHILDREN SERVED IN 2009 Training Community Volunteers: Specialized training is provided to community volunteers who wish to advocate for children through the court system. Once trained and sworn in, the volunteers accept a case in which a child has been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect. Their role is to be the child/ children’s voice in court and ensure every child has a safe, loving and PERMANENT home. Often the CASA worker is the only consistent, positive person in the child’s life throughout their time in foster care. Casework: In addition to training and supervising community volunteers, CASA staff also work cases in which children have been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect. Again, their goal is to speak for the child’s best interest in court and advocate for a safe, loving and PERMANENT home. What our clients had to say! “The center is calm and relaxed and we are relieved that we are not alone in this worst nightmare. We pray to God things will be normal again in the years to come.” “I’m glad I came here. I feel like a weight has been lifted and I can start to breathe again – 14 year old female.” “Our experience was so helpful and positive. I can’t express how thankful I am to have had a place that could help us. Our therapist was so positive helpful and made us feel very comfortable talking with her– things we wouldn’t want to share with many people-we felt we could communicate to her. Thanks!” Page 2 CACCT SERVED 711 CHILDREN IN 2009 “I never would have thought me and my children would ever face a situation like this. The lady that explained everything to us was great. You made it more comfortable for us. Thank you so much for your support and help. God Bless.” “The CAC has been priceless to our family. Their help for us has been very successful with overcoming so many obstacles that come with these devastating crimes. I could write a book of Thank You’s!” - 14 year old male. Page 3 2009 AGENCY INTERN STUDENTS & VOLUNTEERS CACCT STAFF Michelle Farrell– Executive Director Lisa Wilkerson– CASA Program Director Bonita Hancock– CASA Program Coordinator Kristi Fee– Casework Supervisor Michelle Stoker– Casework Supervisor Susan Schanne-Knobloch– Forensic Interviewer Courtney Wright– Forensic Interviewer Lisa Richardson– Mental Health Therapist Jan McLaughlin– Office Manager Karin Toms- Family Greeter 2008-2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD PRESIDENT: Carol Rogers, Retired CCISD/ACT Kizzi Lee, Tarleton Social Work Intern LaToya McDonald , Tarleton Social Work Intern Vivian Davenport, UMHB Social Work Intern Junior League of Bell County UMHB Welcome Week students United Way Day of Caring Sara Hector Ilene Miller– Divine Desserts Jennifer Smith– Divine Desserts Sandi Ridley– Divine Desserts Cindy Southerland-Divine Desserts Regional Young Professionals 2009-2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD PRESIDENT: Paula Tanner, UMHB TREASURER: Megan Bradley, Killeen ISD TREASURER: Megan Bradley, Killeen ISD VICE PRESIDENT: Paula Tanner, UMHB VICE PRESIDENT: Nancy Reynolds, Retired Professor SECRETARY: Brandie Cleaver, Central Texas College SECRETARY: Brandie Cleaver, Central Texas College PAST PRESIDENT: Mike Lockett, Bell County PAST PRESIDENT: Carol Rogers, Retired CCISD/ACT Lorraine Brown Stephanie Newell Tammy Bracewell Suzanne Daniel Billy Floyd Sheilah Priori OJ Freeman Wanda Halstead Mary Beth Harrell Nancy Reynolds Mary Beth Harrell Lori Hix Lori Hix Gary Richards Stephanie Newell Lesley Olson Kimberlie Mansell Bonnie White Sheilah Priori Gary Richards Christy Slagel EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NOTE As another year has come and gone, and as I sit to try share my thoughts about the epidemic of child abuse, an interesting thought came into my head, “How long have I been doing this?” The answer is I have been in the business of helping children since 1995, which, if you do the math, is 15 years. That is astonishing to me as I recall telling my graduate professor I can’t and won’t work with kids after I found myself in a corner with little 5 year old Johnnie while he gunned me down with one of those plastic guns that shoots out suction sticks. His mother brought him to the University intern counseling program because that was all she could afford. His little life had been pretty chaotic. For whatever reason, my professor believed I had it in me, and after a number of much more successful play therapy sessions, he left my office for the last time and gave me possibly the best hug I had ever had. I guess at that time I felt the satisfaction of working with children. In 2009, 711 children received much needed services through our CAC and CASA programs. I don’t get close to as many hugs as I used to, but I can guarantee the dedicated CACCT staff is making lasting impressions on these children’s lives. They deserve the hugs and the applause! The most important part of my job is to ensure that we can continue our mission of providing comprehensive services which protect, promote and enhance the quality of life for abused and neglected children through Children’s Advocacy Center and CASA programs. The CACCT staff and Interagency partners, the CPS workers, police department investigators, prosecutors, medical professionals and mental health professionals are out there everyday, working together to change the lives of children. They work to protect and fight for our children. Despite the trauma they are exposed to, the set backs, the challenges and the disappointments, they continue to dedicate themselves and know they are fighting child abuse one child at a time. Child abuse continues to be a National epidemic. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 1,760 children died in the U.S. in 2007 as a result of child abuse and neglect. In 2008, Bell and Coryell counties lost 9 children as a result of abuse. Statistics tell us 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused by the time they are 18. Now is the time to take a stand against the harm of our children. For those of you who have continually and generously supported our agency, THANK YOU! If you are unsure how to help, call us. It only takes one person to make a difference in the life of a child…and every time I think of little Johnnie, I am reminded of that. Warmest Regards, Michelle Farrell Page 4 OUR SPECIAL CASA VOLUNTEERS: STANDING UP AND SPEAKING OUT FOR CHILDREN! Nikitia Adams Tammy Algoe Gail Aviles Crystal Barkley Constance Betancourt Mary Billeck Brittany Bordonaro Rebecca Bradley Eddie Bruton Molly Byrd Jennifer Crosby Blyth Dixon Ebonique Elliott Leigh Finchum Rebecca Foster Tanya Fulwider Sandra Gehler-Hammer Nicole Gilliam Kimberly Gonzalez Kimberly Hornsby Sharon Joulevette Brenda Kennedy Jamie Kiesle Petra Kruzel Kizzie Lee Sherita Lynch Johanny Marte Connie Matthews Deborah McKinney Susan Meeks Chandra Melton Ciarra Morgan Christina Newman Carin Rhodes Marlena Roberts Jessica Sanders Helga Schmidt Amy Smith Gina Smith Susan Smith Chester Smith Heather Sronce Bernadette Vinson The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers. ~ Everett Mannor Regional Young Professionals CASA Christmas Toy Drive at Judge Van Orden and some of the newly sworn in volunteers Dead Fish Grill. from the November 2009 training. Page 5 FY 2008-2009 INDIVIDUAL DONORS A special thank you to our supporters who made a monetary donation, made a donation in honor or memory of someone, supported the Blue Envelope Campaign or attended one of our fundraisers. Vic & Gail Aaron John Gauntt, Jr. Maria Mejia Edwin & Marty Adams Tamara Glidewell Melissa Schaefer Marvin & Gail Agnew Nicole Gonsalves Michael R. Milelr Mike & Ilene Miller Lillie Aguero Julian & Lisa Grant Michael & Luanne Miller Paul Schindler Paul Ainslie Shirley Greathouse Clarence Milligan Richard & Kara Schneible Roger Allen Pam Greene Michael Moody Zack & Teresa Shelley Susan Appell Darrell & Wanda Halstead Mike & Dana Moore Jeannette Shepherd B.A. Emmons' Carolyn Hartmann Patrick Mullins Devera Shipp Robin Battershell Stephen & Ruth Herrington Sol Neman Robert Shoemaker Amy Bawcom Carol Hodge Dranston & Michelle Newcomer Josh Simon Brian & Nancy Bezner Phillip & Lisa Hood Stephanie Newell Becky Smith Trey & Christie Bledsoe Theodore Hopens Tammy Niswonger David & Cindy Southerland Tina Boren Pamela Jackson Kathryn Norris Martha Sparkman Karin Borman Dana James Gerald & Dee Northrup Charles Spencer Jack & Megan Bradley Clifton Jones Nick & Lesley Olson Josh & Robbin Steen Robert Brakemeir Tom Jones Dale Owen Shelly Strimple Cathy Brem William & April Jones Bo Owens Elton Stuckly Harvey Sweet Haines & Rolinda Brindley Jana Jordan Donna Passentino Barbara Schindler Dr. Paula Tanner David & Maydean Brown Kevin Keller James & Amber Patureau Gerald Brown Jeannette Kelley Judy Peikert Barbara Tate Kenny Kelly Wesley & Joyce Pershall Marcia Thigpen Deb Kleypas Bill & Jean Peutt Shirley Thomas Cecilia Clarkson Bryan & Kathryn Knotts Jos & Marty Portmann Debra Thornton Judge J.F. Clawson Russell & Marilyn Krumnow Edwin & DeDe Powell Roger & Amee Tuggle Max & Brandie Cleaver Clarice Kubala Louise Price Martha Tyroch Danny Coppin Daniel & Cecilia Ladd Sheilah Priori Marcus Voltin Mike & Linda Cornett Traci Lamonte Harold Procter Mickey Wade Bill & Mary Jane Crabill Pam Lanham Jennifer Ramirez Michael Waldman Dr. & Mrs. David Reddell Jack & Cindi Wall Glen Cipriani George Clarkson Elizabeth Crossen Thomas & Charlene Tapman Bryan Daniel Ann Lesmeister Tim Rein Bud Watson Suzanne Daniell Tom & Mary Anne Lieb Nancy Reynolds Dr. James & Andrea Weinblatt Eric & Rebecca Depew Sue Lockett Gary Richards Jack Weinblatt, MD. Michelle Farrell Mike Lockett Lisa Richardson Jack Welch Sam Farrow Blake Love Pat & Sandi Ridley Barbara Wendland Kristi Fee Kathy Marshall Molly Rivers Bonnie White Mary Alice Fifield Wayne Matthews Robert & Helen Robinson Laura White Daryl & Lana Foss Jack & Donna Mazzuca Carol Rogers Fred & Michelle Fuller Billy McGowan Kevin Rogers Joe Gagen W.R. McGuire Ricky Rounds Henry Garza Russell & Jan McLaughlin Diane Rowton Page 6 Brian & Dana White David & Susan Wilson Willie & Doreen Wright FY 2008-2009 LOCAL MONETARY AND IN-KIND DONORS $ 10,000- $ 75,000 Texas Lottery, Charitable Bingo United Way Central Texas Bell County Commissioners ER Carpenter Foundation $ 3,000– $ 9,999 Tenroc Ranch, Mike Cornet Parsons Roofing United Way Greater Ft. Hood $ 1,000-$ 2,999 Wal-Mart Heart of Texas Landscape PDI Grace Lutheran School Linus Project Exchange Club of Gatesville Belton Kiwanas Cactus Jack’s Steakhouse Coryell County Commissioners Lott, Vernon & Company Kailey Walker Amigo Vasquez Bail Bonds Mrs. William Hanner Altrusa International of Temple Scott Kemp Lori Hix Rebecca McPherson Karissa Dolan Order of Eastern Star $ 100-$ 499 Napa Auto Parts John Muro– John’s Jewelry Exchange Club of Copperas Cove Due Process, LLC Copperas Cove Police Department Starbucks Panel Specialists Temple Police Department Melaluca Little River Catfish Association Pearl Church of Christ Las Casas Restaurant Wal-Mart Distribution #6083 Circle B-Y Partners Wal-Mart # 1232 Almost Home Pet Resort Tri County Toy Run Confetti Rentals Temple Assoc. for School Nutrition Christine Simpson KCEN TV Linda Schexnayder Ft. Hood Officers Wives Club Laurie Boaz Frank & Sue Mayborn Foundation Doris Anderson CWF First Christian Church Medical Alliance of Bell County City Federation Foundation Kiwanas Club of Temple Academy SPJST Lodge # 177 Heartfield Florist CC’s Package Store Don Cast Insurance McLane Southwest Benevolent Pariotic Order of Does $ 500-$ 999 Gidden Distibuting Bluebonnet Club Belltec Industires Custom Printing Tranum Auto Group The Carlson Law Firm Tarleton State University (now Texas A&M) Scott & White Miracle Network Scott & White Health Plan Precious Memories Pactiv Corporation McLane Company, Inc. LWML St. Paul Lutheran Church Page 7 Toyota of Killeen Northside Church of Christ– Gayle Pomykal Interstate Produce Gary Richards Tammy Bracewell Bugs Unlimited Pest Control Belton Kiwanas Judy Miller– Wal-Mart Belton Chapter # 589 OES Woman of the ELCA Temple College– Criminal Justice Dept. First United Methodist Church TSO Central Texas Tarver & Blythe, Attorneys at Law Stephen King Optimist Club of Copperas Cove Newcomers Club Hallmark Lanes Goodnight Estate Trust Cloud Real Estate BH Vaquero Construction Belco Manufacturing Accomodating Cuts JoAnn Dillard Woods Flowers $ 10- $ 99 First Presbyterian Church Woman Partners in Health David Francis Central Texas Oral & Maxillofacial Clinic Cambell & Associates Bruce’s Electric Ye Ole English Bakery Elizabeth Tahaka Aaction Auto Glass GivingExpress Online John D. Bowen Construction R.K Bass Electric New Birth Fellowship Freytag Inspections Britt Drug AARP Jean Whitis Debbie Allen Megan Bradley Sara Hector Denise Kleypas Becky Smith McKenna McLaughlin Karen Willis 2 0 0 9 F I N A N C I A L S Supported by UW of Central Texas and Greater Ft. Hood Area The mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas is to provide comprehensive services which protect, promote healing and enhance the quality of life for abused and neglected children in Central Texas through Children’s Advocacy Center and Court Appointed Special Advocates programs. Phone: 254-939-2946 Fax: 254-939-2939 E-mail: michelle@cacct.com April 24, 2010 Divine Desserts 402 N. Main St. Belton, TX 76513 Tenroc Ranch Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas, Inc. See You There!