cover feature by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com with contributions from Kerrie Stannell and Commissioner Terry Cook
Hope, Healing, and Justice
The Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center represents the best of us. It is a devoted hub of hope and healing for abused children, and one of our county's most effective legal partners when it comes to defending our children. ~District Attorney Shawn Dick
reports of child abuse or neglect, and that is only the one in ten who will disclose. Sadly, nearly half of those outcries come from parental abuse.
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he Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center recently went public with their Power of Us comprehensive campaign. This multi-million dollar effort will expand programs and physical space for the center, and build a stabilizing endowment that will provide hope for children and families who need it in the most vulnerable of times. The campaign goal is $15.35 million and, as of January 13, they are 71 percent on the way to their goal.
THE MISSION WCCAC has served Williamson County for 25 years and, in that time, more than 12,500 brave children have walked through the door to have courageous conversations about abuse. Every month, our county records approximately 450 new
Fortunately, the WCCAC is able to bring law enforcement, DPS, prosecutors, medical staff, and a compassionate team of experts together, rapidly, in one place to meet every need, from the first forensic interview to the time when the child feels emotionally secure again. CEO Kerrie Stannell says, "WCCAC is the only organization in the County that has a proven successful model to serve children and their families in a comprehensive manner. Our County’s children need us when they are abused and neglected to ensure an end to the abuse and that perpetrators are justly prosecuted." Beyond their clinical and legal support, WCCAC also goes above and beyond with their Center Pet Dog, Charlie, who greets and gives children comfort; coping boxes with age appropriate items like fidgets, coloring, bubbles, bath bombs, succulents, and essential oils; Birthday Bags for children who may be celebrating a birthday while receiving services, and much more.
AWARENESS Kerrie never loses sight of the seriousness of her mission. But, she is also focused on making new inroads into community connections and creative fundraising. "Williamson County is a very giving place so we make every effort to keep up with so many other nonprofits. Everyone at the WCCAC loves what they do and it is my job to honor their commitment by having events and fundraisers they can be proud of and excited about," Kerrie says. Among their signature events are annual Purse Bingo, which incorporates runway models from the law enforcement community (below), and the Justice4Children clayshoot. "We try to keep that part of our mission fun," she adds, "but our number one goal is to bring awareness to the cause because a hurt child is everyone's business."
Among their many vocal advocates is Thomas Graham, past board member of the Travis County CAC, and current board member for the Texas Advocacy Project, a non-profit that
Above: Kerrie and Charlie are at Colton's Way in the Advocacy Center; named in memory of Colton Turner Pelfrey, whose abuse and death was a catalyst for great change across Texas in child protection laws and procedures. Photo by Christianna Bettis Photography 12
F E B R UA R Y 2022 LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T
