This is the third installment of a year-long series.
We here at Crippen & Co. are looking to make 2017 a record-year for giving back to our communities. We will be holding monthly intraoffice fundraisers to benefit 12 different charities this year through our new Crippen Cares™ initiative. Our nonprofit spotlight is on this month’s fundraiser recipient, Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection.
Kimberly’s Center is Marion County’s compassionate response to the trauma of child abuse in a safe and child friendly environment. Through specialized services, the smallest victims receive quality and timely care by sharing their story and beginning their path to a healthy future. Kimberly’s Center can be best described by the mission: Our Community working together to protect, serve, and advocate for abused and neglected children.
Before the formation of Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection the trauma of child abuse did not necessarily end after the disclosure. The child would be repeatedly interviewed and asked to share the painful details of the abuse in order to learn the facts and circumstances surrounding the situation. While well intentioned, the exhausting process could cause further emotional trauma to the child.
In 1996, a task force of professionals and community leaders formed to consider a better, more sensitive was to respond to children who had been the victims of physical or sexual abuse. These individuals envisioned a place where hurting children would have a safe, child-friendly environment to talk about their abuse. Out of this commitment the Marion County Children’s Advocacy Center, Kimberly’s Cottage, was formed. Kimberly’s Cottage is now known as Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection.
Kimberly’s is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and solely relies on grants and community donations to provide the specialized, compassionate response to child abuse.
We are joining them this Saturday, April 1, as they hold the Kimberly’s Center 6th Annual Race Against Child Abuse 5K. Please join them, and find out more information at their Facebook.