Children's Safety Center Climbs Toward Dream
Last updated Friday, September 19, 2008 7:01 PM CDT in Our Town
By Carin Schoppmeyer
THE MORNING NEWS
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FAYETTEVILLE--The Fayetteville Town Center was decked out the evening of Sept. 12 as though for a children's birthday party with brightly colored balloons, birthday cakes, party favors, candy and lots of candles adorning tables at the inaugural "Small Hands Big Dreams" fundraiser for the Children's Safety Center.
Rather than indicating anyone's age, though, the more than 500 candles represented the more than 500 children served by the Children's Safety Center since the beginning of 2008.
Foam cut-outs featuring the dreams of some of the children treated at the center also topped the tables. A few of the dreams included, "I want to be a nurse," "I want to play football," "I want to be a mom," and "I want to wear makeup."
The center serves seven counties in Northwest Arkansas, treating children who have been physically and/or sexually abused. Area law enforcement departments, prosecutors' offices and county Departments of Human Services work with the center to reduce the number of times that already traumatized children must be interviewed and medically examined. Each child is assigned an advocate by the center to stay with him through the process.
Beyond the investigation process, the center also offers therapy. The more than 300 supporters helped raise approximately $24,000. Center Development Director Elizabeth Moore said that money will help fund a therapist for the newly created Physically and Sexually Abused Mental Health program at the center.
Executive Director Melody Kouchebagh announced that the first Andy Murray Legacy Award winners were the award's namesake and his wife Mary in recognition of the time and financial support they have given the center.
The Ordinary Hero Award went to Jon Snyder of the Fayetteville Police Department. Members of the Washington County Multidisciplinary Team selected Snyder, though David Williams wrote of his partner, "Ordinary? He's actually several notches above that. Hero? Absolutely!"
The hors d'oeuvres buffet from the Event Group included smoked ham carving stations with croissants and rolls, crab meat blend with French bread, miniature chicken quesadillas, gruyere, feta, and smoked gouda, balsamic marinated tomatoes and chocolate and kiwi mousses.
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