Franklin-Williamson "CAC"

This is the new MDT Coordinator, Kyllah Glass, with the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center! We've reached June and the weather is definitely feeling like summer. We are hoping you are enjoying more time with family and maybe even some summer vacations!

In this quarter's newsletter, you will meet our newest board members, help us wish our previous MDT Coordinator, Hilary Chandler, a wonderful start to her new position as a stay at home mom, say "hi" to Pawfficer Gary and his handler Officer Jason Plichta, and read about a presentation our Executive Director, Sarah Anderson completed with Illinois State Police and the Department of Natural Resources.

In this newsletter, we also want to take some time to thank those who have given back to us this last quarter. We couldn't do our job without the community's support!

Thank you for taking the time to read this little update!

Evie is a lifelong Southern Illinoisan. She graduated from Marion High School, John A. Logan, and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. After receiving her degree in Radio-Television from SIU, Evie joined the WSIL News team in 2009 and has done several stories on the Child Advocacy Center over her career.

Evie stated that she is honored to be a part of this team. She believes that part of advocacy is getting the word out. Evie stated that she is excited to serve the FWCAC by using her communication skills and platform to continue advocating for the children we serve.

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

As an officer with Illinois State Police and devoted Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for the past fourteen 14 years, Alicia is dedicated to serving her community. Through her work with Illinois State Police, Alicia has been able to observe the importance of forensic interviews and advocacy for children.

Alicia stated that she is passionate about helping children not only in her career, but as a mother and member of society. She also serves on the Child Death Task Force through ISP and as a board member for Prevent Child Abuse Illinois.

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

Hilary and Collin welcomed their baby girl into the world on February 24th, 2022. We are so excited for her to take on her new title of Stay at Home Mom - one of the most important jobs out there! During her five years at the Center, Hilary made a lasting impression as she helped grow our MDT program and conducted over 500 forensic interviews! Although we will miss Hilary dearly, we are so grateful for the time she spent helping us further our mission in the community.

Officer Plichta has a passion for advocating for mental health and started Marion PD’s own K-9 therapy program after he saw a need for mental health resources in Southern Illinois. Paw-fficer Gary is a trained therapy dog and helps calm people in high stress situations. One way he is utilized is to help kids who are anxious or have been through traumatic events.

Thank you Officer Plichta for your dedication to advocating for our community’s mental health needs and for stopping by the CAC to help us learn about Paw-fficer Gary!

We are thankful for the opportunity to spread the word about CACs, the work that we do, and the partnerships we have through our MDT

Thank you to each person & business who helped raise awareness during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year we set a new record for Blue Kids sponsors and loved seeing all of the Blue Kids throughout Franklin and Williamson counties!

Thank you to Emily, the owner of Bonfires and Wine, for creating these awesome designs for the CAC and donating a portion of sales back to the center. Also, thank you to everyone who purchased an item to show support!

Thank you, Ike Honda, for choosing the FWCAC as one of your Ike Gives charities this year. Child abuse is a community wide problem, and our community continuously shows us they are dedicated to the fight against it. Thank you to all who voted for the FWCAC during Ike Gives. We couldn't do the work we do without you!

Haley with Happily Everlee After surprised the FWCAC with a fundraiser during Child Abuse Prevention month. She sold Child Abuse Prevention shirts and watch bands through her boutique and donated a portion of each sale to our Center, for a total donation of $700!

Thank you, Haley, for such a wonderful surprise and for also using your platform to help spread awareness of child abuse and the impact it has on our communities. We also want to thank each and every person that purchased a shirt or watch band from Haley.

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.