Six hundred and twenty-nine clients were served by the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center in 2023.
That’s 629 children who have been abused. More than 600 young people who have been helped by the clinical services offered by Dr. Laura Capage, executive director, and other staff members.
Though they don’t do it for recognition, the other staffers deserve a mention. They are Lexy Stimmell, Tracie Dotson, Tamala LaBarge, Taylor Shultz, Kelsey Lillard, Christina Petak, Sydney Purtiman, Destiny Lusk, Billie Keechel, Jody Monday, Elizabeth Tomasik and Alicia DeWitt. Thanks to all for what you do!
Some funding does come to MCCAC from United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties and Monongalia County Board of Education, but donations are always needed.
The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network, in partnership with child advocacy centers across the state, are in the midst of a second campaign to raise awareness and funds for child abuse survivors.
Throughout April, #High5Drive asks individuals and businesses to give a High 5 and donate $5 in honor of each child served at a local center last year.
MCCAC has two partners to help with its campaign: The Tea Shoppe at Seneca Center, 709 Beechurst Ave., and AntiquiTea House, 2885 University Ave.
These businesses will display hands representing children served by MCCAC. To help, just visit one of the partners and get your #High5Drive handprint. On it, you can write a message of encouragement for these kids, or write your name or the name of a loved one.
Organizers consider each $5 donation more than money. Capage says, “it’s a high five to a brave kiddo in Monongalia County.”
Because of those 629 clients in 2023, MCCAC set a campaign goal of $3,145 — $5 for each child.
Besides a visit to The Tea Shoppe or AntiquiTea House, donations can be made through the Campaign website at give.wvcan.org/team/569283.
All money raised locally will go to support MCCAC.
PAM QUEEN is editor of The Dominion Post. Contact her with comments and suggestions at Editor@DominionPost.com.
