As we began planning our November’s issue focusing on “Thankful and Grateful”, I immediately thought of my experience volunteering and supporting a wonderful organization in our community, Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC). I have had the pleasure of helping support the Center since 2014 through service and donations. In addition, it has given me some very special people that I am so thankful to call friends. It is with great admiration and pleasure for me to share a little about this organization and its staff. The remarkable people of CACCC are the superheroes of our area that fight for our most vulnerable citizens, our children, as well as their families that are affected by abuse or neglect. As CACCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Lynne McLean, MSSW says it best, “I am inspired by the CACCC staff who do this difficult, painful work. You can’t unsee what they see, you can’t unhear what they hear. And yet, their dedication and commitment to this mission and the children we serve knows no boundaries. There is no barrier too high for them to go over, too low for them to go under, or too wide for them to go around, when it comes to helping our children. No matter the time of day or night, our staff are always here to help, with a smile on their face and a passion for the work that never wavers. And they inspire me every, single day.”.
Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC) stands as a vital institution dedicated to the protection and advocacy for children who are victims of abuse and neglect. With two locations in Plano and McKinney Texas, this organization plays a crucial role in the community by providing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to address the complex needs of affected children and their families. By uniting law enforcement, child protective services, and mental health professionals in a supportive and child-friendly environment, CACCC strives to ensure that victims receive the care, justice, and healing they deserve.
As Kara Shrum, Senior Donor Relations Manager, explained, “The Center began as a project of the Junior League of Plano, currently the Junior League of Collin County. When the Center opened its doors in Plano, TX in 1992, we had the staff, space, and resources to serve only 10 percent of the children in our community victimized by abuse or neglect. At that time, the total population of Collin County was 292,321. Currently, 1.2 million residents live in Collin County. CACCC offers services 100 percent of children victimized by abuse and neglect, and we will continue our mission into the future. Our goal is that no child is ever turned away from the services they need to heal and thrive, no matter how exponentially Collin County grows into the next decade. This goal was addressed by opening a new (nearly 40,000 sq. ft.) facility in October 2022, The Speese Campus, located in McKinney at 380 and 75.”.
As Kara explains, the mission of Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County is to provide safety, healing, and justice to children and families victimized by abuse and neglect in Collin County. The CACCC model brings services to the child instead of the child going from place to place to tell their stories multiple times, which can cause even further trauma. Core services provided by the Center include Forensic Interviews, Family Advocacy and Support Services, Therapeutic Counseling and Community Education. Woven by strong partnerships with our Multi-Disciplinary Team members (including law enforcement, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, District Attorney’s Office, medical and mental health professionals), the Center has a high level of collaboration to address the needs of each case and each child.
When abuse happens, it shatters the family’s foundation. While the family is receiving short term and long-term help and being connected to resources, the Center provides free therapy for life – no cost, set time limit or wait list. No matter how far along a child is in their healing journey, our therapists meet them where they are. The Center envisions a community where all children live free from abuse, harm, and the fear of violence, recognizing that the early intervention and support can significantly impact the lives of these young victims.
In addition, the Center has been rated as 4 stars on Charity Navigator, the Nation’s leading charity evaluator, for 13 years in a row, a distinction held by only 1% of charities in the nation.
Emotional and psychological well-being is crucial for recovery. CACCC provides individual and group counseling services, tailored to meet the unique needs of children and their families. Licensed professionals focus on helping children process their trauma, develop coping strategies, and rebuild their sense of safety and trust.
Recognizing that abuse affects the entire family, CACCC offers various family support services. These include crisis intervention, parental counseling, and the facilitation of support groups for caregivers. The objective is to empower families, helping them navigate their journey toward healing together.
CACCC is deeply invested in community outreach and education. Various programs are designed to raise awareness about child abuse, its signs, and prevention strategies. By educating parents, teachers, and children themselves, the center aims to foster a community that is vigilant and proactive in protecting its most vulnerable members.
An essential aspect of CACCC’s effectiveness is its collaborative approach. The center works closely with law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, and legal advocates. This partnership ensures that children receive comprehensive support throughout the investigation and recovery process, creating a seamless pathway to justice and healing.
Since its inception, Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County has profoundly impacted the local community. By providing a safe haven for children and families, the Center has advocated for countless cases of abuse, ensuring that victims are heard and supported. CACCC has helped to improve victim advocacy protocols and has trained hundreds of professionals in best practices for working with child abuse victims.
In addition to direct services, the Center also plays a significant role in community engagement, hosting events and fundraisers that raise awareness and foster support for its mission. CACCC is instrumental in building a culture of vigilance and responsibility when it comes to child welfare, encouraging community members to take an active role in protecting children.
Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County embodies a holistic approach to addressing child abuse and neglect. Through its diverse range of services, community education, and advocacy efforts, the center not only supports victims in their path to recovery but also works tirelessly to prevent abuse and promote a safer environment for all children. As a beacon of hope, CACCC inspires a collaborative community commitment to safeguarding its most vulnerable members and ensuring that they can thrive in a nurturing and loving environment.
There are many ways to support the Center throughout the year, including monetary support, in-kind donations and volunteering your time. The Center’s website (www.caccollincounty.org), social media channels, or e-newsletter – are great marketing resources in finding out about current needs, mission moments and statistics as well as upcoming special events, initiatives, and projects throughout the year. If anyone is interested in scheduling a tour at our facility, this is one of the best ways to first-hand “experience” our mission and learn more. You can contact our Development Team at development1@caccollincounty.org and they would love to host you!
The holiday season is quickly approaching! Join the Center in spreading joy to children and families victimized by abuse and neglect through its annual Holiday Project. As the number of children in need of our services has grown, so has the need to fulfill more holiday wishes. You can help deliver the gift of joy to these deserving clients. Check out - https://www.caccollincounty.org/holidayproject/ or email HolidayProject@caccollincounty.org for more information.
You can also consider giving a gift to the Center to end 2024 through its Annual Campaign https://www.caccollincounty.org/donate/ or learn about our Guardian Angel (donor) Society. https://www.caccollincounty.org/waystogive/
You can also consider being a Guardian Angel Donor and have your name appear alongside other dedicated supporters on our Guardian Angel Society recognition wall inside the Center lobby. https://www.caccollincounty.org/donate/
Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future. - John F. Kennedy
The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children - Nelson Mandela