1. What is the vision or purpose of your Organization?
The mission of the Children’s Center is to support and medically assess children who are suspected victims of abuse or neglect.

2. Why are you involved with this non-profit or start this non-profit?
The Children’s Center fills a very real need in the community – to support kids and families who have faced the trauma and pain of physical and sexual abuse.  It’s extremely important work that we do, and I’m thankful that I can help play a role in a child’s healing process.

3. What problem does your organization solve?
When a report is made of suspected abuse, neglect, drug endangerment and/or exposure to violence, law enforcement, parents, and supportive caregivers can call us.  We provide head to toe physical exams, forensic child interviews, and family support services to non-offending caregivers. The Children’s Center is the sole service provider in Clackamas County.  While we don’t prevent the abuse before it starts, the Children’s Center is a key player in breaking the cycle of abuse in a child’s life.

4. Personal story of how your organization has helped the population that it serves?
Earlier this year, Logan* stopped by the Children’s Center with his mother. It was three years ago when Logan and his mom first came to the Center. Both were barely surviving the abuse of one man in their home. A man who had manipulated, threatened and bred fear in both of them. In addition to a forensic medical exam and interview with our trained professional staff, Logan received a cozy, handmade blanket, like all children do when they leave the Children’s Center.
Family support staff at the Children’s Center stayed in touch with Logan’s mom to make sure both were getting the support and services they needed. Three years after Logan first talked about the abuse in his life and began his healing process, he decided he was ready to let go of the blanket he had received at the Center. Now safe and secure, he wanted to donate his blanket back so the healing he received could be true for another child.

5. Major fundraising events associated with your organization?
The Center puts on two major fundraising events each year – the Hope and Healing Breakfast in September and the Champions for Children Women’s Luncheon in May.

6. What is your connection to Chicks Connect?
Julie Muller attended our Hope and Healing Breakfast this September

7. How can people find you?  
www.childrenscenter.cc

8. What are the best ways for people to support you and what you are up to in the world?
Our primary need is always for funding, so we can increase our capacity to serve more children who need us.  For the first time in our history, we’ve kicked off a thriving volunteer program here at the Center.  Volunteers can be utilized in administrative roles, at events, gardening, plus more!  We are also always accepting donations of new and unused children’s blankets and stuffed animals, so kids like Logan can receive a “blanket and a friend” at the end of their assessment.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your passion for helping others.  Please feel free to list or comment or add anything that is in your heart.

Julie