Agenda 03/09/2021 Item # 5A (Business of the Month - Children't Advocacy Center of Collier County)5.A
03/09/2021
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 5.A
Item Summary: Presentation of the Collier County Business of the Month for March 2021 to the
Children's Advocacy Center of Collier County.
Meeting Date: 03/09/2021
Prepared by:
Title: Customer Service Specialist — Communication and Customer Relations
Name: Aimee Trochessett
02/25/2021 10:36 AM
Submitted by:
Title: — Communication and Customer Relations
Name: Deborah Curry
02/25/2021 10:36 AM
Approved By:
Review:
Administrative Services Department Michael Cox Additional Reviewer
County Manager's Office Dan Rodriguez County Manager Review
Board of County Commissioners Maryto Brock Meeting Pending
Completed 02/26/2021 4:00 PM
Completed 03/02/2021 8:23 AM
03/09/2021 9:00 AM
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5.A.1
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Each month, the Greater Naples Chamber and the Board of Collier
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� N A P L E s County Commissioners recognize an organization that has enhanced
_ the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement
C H A M B E R in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality
of life for all citizens in Collier County.
The honoree is presented with a commemorative plaque at the Board of County Commissioners meeting.
A photo and news release is distributed to all Southwest Florida Media and Chamber Members, as well as
featured in Chamber communications, the Chamber's website and promoted through social media.
Please email the completed nomination form below to Bethany Sawyer at Bethany@napleschamber.org
Business Name: Children's Advocacy Center of Collier County
Owner/Executive Name: Ijackie Stephens, MA, CEO
Email: istephens@caccollier.org
Phone: 239-272-1290 # of Employees: 21
Year Founded: 11986
Business Description (50 words or less):
The mission of the organization is to improve the lives of abused children in Collier County. This is
accomplished through five main, unified programs that work together to identify suspected abuse,
provide intervention to protect children from further harm, and promote healing through advocacy,
education and specialized mental health care.
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5.A.1
Tell us your story, how has your organization or company given back to the community?
Provide an example.
Children are referred to the Children's Advocacy Center as a result of suspected physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or family violence.
The Children's Advocacy Center coordinates the ensuing investigation between law enforcement and child protective services, conducts
the forensic interview of the child, provides medical care through the forensic medical examination, provides advocacy throughout the
investigation and possible criminal proceedings, and provides trauma specific assessment and therapeutic intervention to help children
and their families heal and find hope for the future.
It is well known that children exposed to maltreatment are at increased risk for the lifelong negative consequences of trauma. Exposure
to maltreatment or violence can disrupt the course of physical, emotional, and intellectual development in children and adolescents. Risks
associated with maltreatment include alterations in a child's physical health, impairment in psychosocial functioning, mental health
conditions, and changes in brain structure. Agency programs work in unison to recognize abuse, evaluate the needs of the child and
family, ensure the immediate safety, and ultimately address the long-term well-being of the child.
The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) has developed five core unified programs to effectively recognize child abuse and provide the
framework to protect children and ensure the best outcome for the child. Agency programs promote healing, justice, and resiliency. The
agency is uniquely positioned to offer services that help child victims of abuse heal and avoid the lifelong consequences of trauma. Last
year the agency served 1,175 children and 625 caregivers affected by abuse and family violence; thereby improving the overall
well-being and success in life for children in our community. By making available high -quality, evidence -based programs for assessment,
intervention, and mental health treatment, child safety is addressed, children's lives are stabilized, and the negative effects of trauma are
mitigated. This helps the child, their caregiver, and family begin to heal and re -gain their lives. By providing appropriate interventions,
children's health, academic achievement, and quality of life is improved and restored giving them a better future.
What makes your company a great place to work?
Describe your culture and accomplishments.
While working as part of a team of "first responders" investigating allegations of child abuse can be
difficult, and at times extremely sad, we have a team of caring and compassionate individuals who
really want to make a difference in the lives of the children in our community. There is a strong
sense of comradery amongst team members and pride in the accomplishment of our mission. The
culture of the organization is one that promotes a sense of purpose, honesty, and respect. Lives can
be changed for the good and staff is encouraged to "create change in the world."
Challenge is seen as an opportunity and the team is able to see the positives in most situations.
Program results are meaningful, measurable, and many families are successful. It is very satisfying
to see the transformation that occurs for many of the children who come into the agency as they
begin to heal and recover from abuse and trauma.
While things may not always be perfect, team members are considerate of others, respectful,
appreciate each other, and appreciate each other's role in moving the mission forward. Everyone's
role is equally important. There is a collective sense of humor, enjoyment, and pleasure in
day -to -day -activities. Team members are inspired and inspire others. The culture of the agency
values an open mind and an open heart. There is not an extensive amount of staff turnover, which
allows the team to know one another and form strong, supportive relationships. In the field of child
protection, this can be rare. To have a team of individuals embrace the described attributes and
values, while dealing with one of the most difficult problems in our society, is certainly an
accomplishment.
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