This is Executive Director, Sarah Anderson, with the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center! I can't believe it's March already, but I am definitely glad to have (a little) warmer weather, longer days, and Spring!

In this quarter's newsletter, you will learn about our upcoming annual Blue Kids fundraiser in conjunction with National Child Abuse Prevention Month, help us welcome a new board member and spring intern, and find ways to support our Center as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary!

Our Center has also been hit hard with loss these last two months. Charlie "Santa" Groves and Ralph Graham were two men who helped shape our Center into what we are today. Below, we pay tribute to them and thank all of those who have donated in their honor.

Thank you for taking the time to read this little update from our Center.

In our 30 years, we have served over 5,000 child abuse victims in Franklin and Williamson counties. To us, these service milestones signify that physical and sexual abuse against children is still a prevalent and ongoing concern in our communities.

April is coming up, which means the start of our Blue Kids Campaign and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. What better way to support the FWCAC and our 30th Anniversary? Help in our fight against child abuse!

For your $100 donation, we place Blue Kid signage outside of your home or business to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month and to show your support for the FWCAC. Signage will be delivered to you before April 1st and picked up the week of May 1st so you can show your support all month!

Your name or your business’s name will also be recognized as a Champion for Children on our Facebook page and website!

Questions? Call our office at (618) 942-3800 or email our Executive Director at sarah@franklinwilliamsoncac.org.

Ready to donate now?! Click the button below to donate via PayPal.

Steve served as Alderman on the Herrin City Council for three years before being selected as interim Mayor in 2015. He was voted in as Mayor in 2016. Steve is a graduate of Marion High School and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He has a diverse and extensive professional background which allows him to bring an array of skills and experience to the Board.

Steve lives in Herrin, Illinois with his wife, Sharon. As a longtime resident of Herrin, Steve has a strong passion for serving his community. He is a member of Knights of Columbus, Elks, Rotary Club, American Legion and also serves on the Board of the Directors for the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Southern Illinois Mayors Association and the Risk Management Agency of the Illinois Municipal League.

Steve stated that he is looking forward to serving on the Board of Directors at the FWCAC and having a new way to serve the community he cares so deeply about...

To read the full welcome post, visit our Facebook by clicking here.

Here's a note from Kyllah to get to know her a bit:

Hello! My name is Kyllah Glass. I live in Gulf Shores, Alabama with my family and am currently a senior at Southern Illinois University studying Child and Family Services/Social Work with a minor in psychology. After graduation, I hope to follow a career path supporting children who have experienced trauma. Because of that, I am very excited to hold an internship position with FWCAC to gain experiences I can take with me throughout the rest of my career. I look forward to learning as much as possible during my time here at the FWCAC!

In February 2022, we lost our Board President, Ralph Graham. Ralph joined our board in 2010 and was an integral part of our Center. He was one of our biggest supporters and advocates. He was incredibly passionate and enthusiastic about the work that we do and helped shape our Center into what we are today. We will forever be grateful for the many years we knew him, worked with him, and learned from him.

In January 2022, the entire Southern Illinois community lost a beloved friend. For nearly 50 years, Charlie "Santa" Groves, dedicated his time and talents to numerous organizations throughout Southern Illinois, including the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center and our Santa House production. We are thankful for the many ways Charlie supported the FWCAC, including lifting the spirits of so many children during each holiday season.

The FWCAC would like to thank all those who donated to the FWCAC in honor of Ralph and Charlie. These donations allow us to continue serving the children of our community, something Ralph and Charlie were deeply passionate about.

The Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center

is dedicated to serving the best interests of children

who have been sexually or physically abused.

We, at the Center, are their Voice.

WE believe:

All children should be free of abuse and neglect.

All children should have the opportunity

to develop to their fullest potential in

a safe and loving environment.

It is in the best interest of abused children to have

collaboration among agencies

working on their behalf.

It is important to educate the public on the issues

of child abuse and neglect.