In Make a Difference, we share the wish lists of non-profit organizations in the Miami Valley. If your group has a wish list it would like to publish, please contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio,com
Please include a daytime telephone number.
October is not only breast cancer awareness month, it’s also focused on domestic abuse and violence.
Today, we’re giving some thought to the children who suffer from abuse and to CARE House, our community’s advocacy center for child victims of abuse and neglect.
Established in 1999, the center is a community partnership represented by Dayton Children’s Hospital, Dayton Police Department, Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services/Children Services Division, Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office as well as each of the law enforcement agencies in the county.
“This community collaboration results in effective, efficient and child-focused casework that reduces trauma to child victims, increases communication among professionals and improves the outcomes for the children,” said Denise Jenkins of the CARE House staff. She says CARE House sees more than 600 abused children and their non-offending families each year.
“Unfortunately, the number of children continues to grow,” she adds.
Comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate responses to child victims of abuse include:
- Child forensic interviews
- Community education
- Inter-agency case reviews
- Law enforcement investigations
- Medical evaluations
- Prosecutorial services
- Therapeutic interventions
- Victim advocacy and support
Surveys indicate that the center’s services are appreciated and meaningful:
- "Giving children the chance to be heard helps them understand that they are safe," wrote one parent. Another said their family members were treated with dignity and respect.
- "They made my child feel comfortable and at ease," reported another. "I am so glad there is a CARE House for children to help them through everything."
- Without community support, says Jenkins, CARE House would simply be unable to provide the welcoming child-centered environment that allows children and families to feel comfortable and supported.
At this time, CARE House especially needs:
- Cases of water – small (8 ounce) bottles
- Fruit juice – apple juice and lemonade, Capri Sun
- Single servings of healthy snacks – animal crackers, baked chips, graham crackers, pretzels, cheese crackers, goldfish crackers, granola bars, natural fruit roll-ups, applesauce
- Plush animals – new medium size stuffed animals with tags attached
- Gift cards – small denominations for Kroger, Target, Speedway, Walmart and other stores located in Montgomery County
WISH LIST donations may be delivered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to CARE House at 410 Valley St. (on the Dayton Children’s Hospital campus). Monetary donations may be mailed to CARE House at 410 Valley St., Dayton OH 45404.
For additional information about the CARE House and its wish list, please contact Krista by phone at (937) 641.4545 or by email at carehouse@childrensdayton.org.
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