Funding Cuts Make Annual Fundraiser Essential to Maintain Services for Child Abuse Victims
After three cancellations due to a hurricane and the COVID-19 pandemic, One Place is holding our annual fundraiser on September 11th and the funds raised during the event are more critical than ever for all children, especially those in military families.
The Diamonds and Denim benefit helps raise essential funds for child abuse prevention and intervention services to support the One Place Child Advocacy Center (CAC). In addition to lack of funds due to the repeated event cancellations, the CAC experienced budget cuts this year to the tune of $400,000 because of changes to funding models.
“We were in a crisis before the cut to funding. It is not even a crisis now. We have a much-needed service to provide that we cannot afford,” said Ann Marie Raymond, Vice President of Advancement at One Place.
The CAC is a child-focused facility providing hope and healing to children from birth to age 17 who have experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, serious neglect, and/or violence. CAC staff work with a multidisciplinary team of professionals to investigate alleged abuse, conduct forensic interviews, provide sensitive medical exams, offer family advocacy, and identify vital resources so children and families can begin to heal and build resilience. At the CAC, a child tells their story only once to a trained interviewer, preventing retraumatization from occurring, and providing them with a safe place to heal. All services are offered in a safe, sensitive, and child-centered environment at no cost to families.
Since opening in 2010, the CAC has served more than 2,700 victims of child abuse. In 2020 alone, the center provided services to a combined total of more than 600 children and their associated family members, including parents, siblings, and non-offending caregivers. One Place CAC services also support military children and families through coordinated efforts with local military partners.
“Our military families have complex needs and with our community’s help, we remain poised to serve their needs,” said Dawn Rochelle, Chief Executive Officer at One Place.
Diamonds and Denim is scheduled from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm on September 11 at The Rustic Barn at Half Moon. Mission BBQ will cater dinner and guests can enjoy live entertainment from Hot Sauce Band in the refreshing outdoor space at the new venue. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available by visiting www.oneplaceonslow.org or calling 910-938-0336. This will be the 11th year for our agency’s signature event. All proceeds benefit local children and families served by programs of One Place.
In case you missed it, check out WNCT’s story on our upcoming event.