KAUFMAN—The Children’s Advocacy Center for Kaufman County (CACKC) petitioned the Kaufman County Commissioners Court for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 funding. The center supports more than 500 children annually who are victims of abuse in Kaufman County.
KAUFMAN—The Children’s Advocacy Center for Kaufman County (CACKC) petitioned the Kaufman County Commissioners Court for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 funding. The center supports more than 500 children annually who are victims of abuse in Kaufman County.
The CAC, a beacon of hope for children who are victims of crimes, offers a range of services, including interviews, counseling, and support, all provided at no cost to the child's family. “The CAC's mission is to preserve the dignity of child victims, maintain their trust, and ensure their best interests remain at the heart of every criminal investigation,” as stated on their website.
On Tuesday, Board President Randy Squibb, Executive Director Shannon Gardner, and Treasurer Crystal Humphreys presented their case to the Kaufman County Commissioners to ask that funding be considered next year in FY 2025. The Center asked for $256,000 to be allocated to support its efforts to help child victims and their families.
As Kaufman County continues to grow by record-breaking numbers, there is, unfortunately, a more significant need to provide services to children and families.
CAC Executive Director Shannon Gardner told inForney.com that while the center is a good steward of resources, there is a need for more resources as the need has increased.
“I believe we are good stewards of every grant and donated funds that we receive, and we are very thankful for those sources of income that allow us to provide essential services,” stated Gardner. “However, the number of children that we serve continues to increase each year, and our resources have stayed the same.”
The Center is funded through state and local grants and donations from members of the Kaufman County community. While the center stretches every dollar in creative ways, the center says now is the time to think about the future.
“It’s heartbreaking for us to put children who need help on a waitlist that can extend as long as eight weeks, but this has become our reality for the last couple of years,” said Gardner. “We are hoping that the County Judge and Commissioners Court see the value of our services to the children and families of our county and consider our funding proposal.”
Sheriff Bryan Beavers told inForney.com that the center's services are essential for investigations and prosecutions.
“It’s essential that we utilize the services the center provides to aid in investigation and prosecutions for the children who are victims of heinous crimes,” said Sheriff Bryan Beavers.
To put the numbers in perspective, CAC Treasurer Crystal Humphreys of American National Bank of Texas said that it costs $150,000 for two therapists, and in order to get all the children seen that are on the waiting list, it would cost around $650,000. She emphasized that the Board of Directors works diligently to raise funds and spend each dollar to its fullest potential.
Criminal District Attorney Erleigh Wiley told the Commissioners Court that the services the center provides are essential and that this request is looking ahead to the future.
To learn more about the CACKC or to donate, you can click this link: https://kaufmanccac.org/donate/.