COVER FEATURE

The 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

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. 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.

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com with contributions from Kerrie Stannell and Commissioner Terry Cook

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

provides legal services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. “I remember, painfully," he says, "the days 50 years ago I spent talking to lawyers and judges about the trauma inflicted upon our family by our step father. I wish we didn’t need the caring and counseling services of places like the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, but unfortunately we do."

BECAUSE OF THE CENTER

Thomas adds, “A caring community will protect and support its most vulnerable. Having a safe and secure place that allows children to have the most difficult conversation of their young lives is a blessing that will ensure they don’t have to relive the trauma they are already facing.”

His sentiments are manifest thanks to the professionals and volunteers at and working with the WCCAC who ensure:

children only have to share intimate details of their abuse one time

more perpetrators are convicted trauma therapy is made possible—at no cost to victims—for recovery and healing for their lifetime

each child is supported by a caring compassionate team of experts.

THE CAMPAIGN

Everyone associated with the WCCAC is aware that the county is growing at record rates, as is the corresponding rise in trauma cases. "The current space we have no longer is suitable for our essential services," Kerrie says. "Our new building will provide ample and state-of-the-art space for forensic exams and interviews, case review meetings with investigative partners, trauma therapy, and confidential meetings on behalf of and with families."

She and her staff, with the board of directors invite everyone to join the chairs, advisors, and leadership council to help make this campaign successful. "Every gift counts," Kerrie says, "No matter the size; outright gifts, or pledges that can be paid over time." Scan the code to contact Tiffany Sturman, Director of Community Engagement for information or to make a gift. As pandemic conditions continue and supply chain shortages have increased the price of lumber and other construction resources, the anticipated cost—just to build the new annex—has grown to $7,700,000. WCCAC was obliged to double their fundraising efforts to complete expansion plans as originally designed. The Board began approaching cities and donors to raise the additional required funds and also provide the interior furnishings and technology. Fortunately, many in Williamson County have stepped up to help. October 1, 2019, Commissioners Court approved appropriations of $5.5M for partial funding of the addition to existing space at the Inner Loop building. June 15, 2021, Commissioners Court unanimously approved $1.8M in Federal CARES funding to offset the developing shortfall. November 16, 2021, County Judge Bill Gravell moved to set aside $9,800,000 in combined Federal and County funds for the annex expansion and renovation of the original building. Commissioner Cook seconded. November 2021, the Williamson County District

Attorney pledged $100,000 and the City of Cedar Park contributed $100,000. The D.A. annually contributes $10,000 to programs and operations. January 2022, the City of Georgetown contributed $125,000 and the City of Round Rock funded $40,000 for technology equipment.

COMMISSIONER TERRY COOK: WHY I SUPPORT THE WCCAC

The existing CAC facility was fashioned as a house for a reason. These traumatized children need a safe, welcoming space; the original building even has a big front porch and swing. Last year the entire operation moved to a very institutionalized building in Round Rock as they cannot do their sensitive work in the middle of a construction project. With this final round of funding, the ground-breaking ceremony will occur on February 11 at 10am. This has been a long time coming.

No child in Williamson County should go through abuse alone—recovery and justice happen here.

WCCAC AND CASA TAKING OFF WITH A NEW FUNDRAISING GALA

A Launch for Child Advocacy, Justice, and Education

Next month, two local non-profits will begin a journey. Working together, the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center (WCCAC) and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Williamson County (CASA) focus daily on providing education and bring together a wide array of stakeholders to help minimize the trauma inflicted on children of abuse. " Destination: Hope is an inspiring and fun-filled evening to help support two vital programs that provide resources, encouragement, and restoration for victims of child abuse and neglect in our community. The staff, board of directors, and many generous volunteers have been hard at work to create this inaugural event. We cannot wait to reveal our special theme for 2022 and we invite the community to join us to ensure a safe and healthy future for our children and families for years to come. ~Kerrie Stannell, WCCAC CEO

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com

In 2022, both are excited about their first joint fundraising gala and auction appropriately named Destination: Hope. Even more than the event itself, their staffs, committees, and volunteers are eagerly anticipating the moment the Kahalari ballroom doors open and the evening's actual destination is revealed for this inaugural event.

While both organizations exist to support and advocate for children and families who are simultaneously navigating life and the justice system, the gala is a celebration and acknowledgment of the work these steadfast agencies do every day in our community.

Guests should prepare to be delighted and surprised when the doors open at 5:30pm and the theme is revealed. The evening begins with a silent auction with refreshments, followed by a plated dinner, A-list entertainment, and the best guest services this state-of-theart convention center has to offer.

This year’s auction will include many items and experiences appropriate for sports enthusiasts, day trippers, families, and kids. Sponsorships are available and guest tickets are available at WilcoCAC.org and CASAWilco.org. Visit their websites today to learn more about their restorative and supportive strength, and take advantage of the opportunity to help raise funds to help vulnerable children in our county and communities.

A CONVERSATION WITH ONE OF THE ADVOCACY CENTER'S GREATEST ADVOCATES JUDGE BILL GRAVELL

GV: When did you first become involved with the WCCAC?

JG: My first encounter with the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center was in 2013 when I was Justice of the Peace. Signing arrest warrants was a daily task, but there were two detectives in particular who made my heart skip a beat. They did exceptional work but I knew if they were there, the warrants had to do with the Sheriff's Office and due diligence in pursuing crimes against children.

They explained to me, on their first visit, how they arrived at the need for these warrants— through an outcry at the advocacy center. In my time at JP3, I signed hundreds of warrants, and all those crimes against children sickened me. It was the most unsettling thing I did as a JP.

GV: How do you impress upon others the importance of their mission?

JG: When I toured the facility, I learned it was so much more than police work. There are detectives, forensic nurses, representatives from the Attorney General and District Attorney offices, and counselors. For me, it wasn't just the place to draw the information from the children, it was realizing that the CAC is actually the first stop for healing for kids who have been traumatized.

GV: How do you see your role in support of the CAC?

JG: When I became County Judge, I wanted to make sure the needs and the work at the CAC were always a top priority. That is why, over the last 18 months, I have worked even more closely with them to make sure there is county funding to continue their mission. It is just that important. I am pleased that our Commissioners Court have remained faithful to that mission and have unanimously voted, several times, to make protecting our kids one of our top priorities.

Still, it is disheartening that we have to expand their building and their operations but, as Williamson County continues to grow, these crimes will continue to escalate.

With that in mind, I invite everyone to please join me at a very important groundbreaking at 10am, February 11. The WCCAC will be turning the dirt on a brand new facility at 1811 SE Inner Loop in Georgetown. Their current multi-million dollar campaign will expand programs and physical space to meet the challenges and growing demand for essential services.

I am eager to see the work begin for all the children who need us today and in the future. " If we have a place to take children that is safe and comfortable, and in which we can obtain information we need, love them unconditionally, and help them begin the process of healing, that place is the most important and transformative building in Williamson County.