Under any other circumstance, brightly colored tiny handprints covering canvases that line the walls of a building may bring a smile to one’s face. But this is no ordinary place, and these aren’t just any handprints. The handprints represent the many young lives helped by the Children’s Protection Center in Little Rock.
“CPC provides a safer community for children by leading the coordinated response to child abuse and providing hope and healing to families,” says CPC Director Jennifer Long.
Since its creation in 2007, CPC has seen a 300% increase in the number of children receiving its services, prompting it to open an additional facility in North Pulaski County.
“In 2023, we served more than 1,000 children and anticipate serving 1,200 or more in 2024,” Jennifer says.
All of the services provided by CPC are free to families, which means that the center depends on support from community members and businesses.
In 2023 Bill Veuleman and his wife Christy became strong supporters of the center after touring the facility and seeing the handprint-covered walls.
Later that same year, when Bill became General Manager of Crain Ford of Little Rock, he knew that through the dealership, he could make an even stronger impact.
“When I accepted the job, I wanted to start off by giving back. I knew I wanted to partner with CPC, so we started our partnership with them on day one,” Bill says.
Through its partnership, Crain Ford donates a portion of every vehicle sale to the CPC. Each customer is photographed by the CPC sign at the dealership in celebration of their contribution and to raise awareness for the program.
Additionally, the dealership is a drop-off site for donations to the center. And Crain Ford is a major sponsor of the CPC’s River Cities Dragon Boat Festival fundraising event.
By the end of 2024, Crain Ford will have raised $25,000 for CPC, and Bill hopes to double that number by the end of 2025.
Most of all, he hopes that the partnership with CPC raises awareness for the center and instills a sense of purpose in his employees.
Crain Ford’s motto is “There’s more going on at the top of the hill than just selling cars.” And Bill says his faith informs the work he does each day for his customers, employees and community.
“Are we perfect? No. We are not trying to project that we are better humans than anyone else,” Bill says, adding that he simply encourages his team members to keep their faith as the foundation of their work.
Since becoming GM at Crain Ford, the dealership’s success has skyrocketed. It has experienced the largest year-after-year increase in sales of any Ford dealership in the United States.
“I feel in my heart of hearts that the partnership with the CPC has contributed to the success of this dealership,” he says.
Likewise, the partnership has meant the world to the CPC.
“Being a part of this partnership means more than just financial contributions — it’s about coming together as a community to stand up for children who need it most,” Jennifer says. “We’re incredibly grateful to have Crain Ford on board as advocates for these children and their journey of hope and healing.”
Helping in a Healing Way
The CPC helps its clients by streamlining the investigation process so victims are not further traumatized by having to share their experiences over and over again.
“CPC is currently the only organization in Pulaski County that offers the coordinated approach to child abuse investigations and mental health services,” Jennifer says.
The Center offers support and unique services to victims and their non-offending caregivers. This includes forensic interviews, customized family advocacy, mental health therapy, medical exams and crisis-specific resources – all housed under one roof.
“Our response to child abuse places the welfare of the child first,” Jennifer says.
Additionally, CPC offers community education and outreach by working with local groups through speaking engagements and special events to raise awareness about child abuse and the strong role the community plays in intervention and prevention.
It Takes a Village
As Jennifer says, “Every single person has the responsibility to protect children in the community.” Whether it’s through individual support or corporate donations, every contribution matters.
“We have several options for individuals, corporations and organizations to contribute in a way that aligns with their philanthropic goals,” Jennifer says.
The CPC typically hosts three events annually that individuals and groups can support: the River Cities Dragon Boat Festival in June; the Rattle the Chains Disc Golf Tournament in September; and the Protectors Shoot Out Sporting Trap Tournament in October.
More ways to give include:
• Donations to Catherine’s Closet that provides basic needs, such as clothes, toiletries and hygiene products.
• Gift cards that provide emergency meals and transportation needs.
• New toys and books to comfort and encourage young victims.
• Monetary donations to support the CPC’s expansion and growth.
• Adopt a CPC Family to ensure hope and healing for the holidays.
Volunteers also are needed, but must undergo a rigorous background check.
For more information on how you can lend support, visit childrensprotectioncenter.org/donate.
“When I accepted the job, I wanted to start off by giving back. I knew I wanted to partner with CPC, so we started our partnership with them on day one."
“Being a part of this partnership means more than just financial contributions — it’s about coming together as a community to stand up for children who need it most."