I hope you will join Dining for Jackson County on Tuesday, February 6, at 11:30 a.m. in the Mission and Fellowship Center of Sylva First Baptist Church. Please come and be a part of helping so many children in our county who are abused. Isn’t that the goal of all of us – to make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable and the abused? Well, here is a way to do just that. I believe we are called to be a channel of helpfulness for others.
This non-profit needs our help! AWAKE, along with dozens of other Children’s Advocacy Centers is about to lose up to 40% of their VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding which is one of their main sources of aid! Sadly, this decrease in funding is affecting all the CACs (Children’s Advocacy Centers) across the state!
AWAKE - Adults Working and Advocating for Kid’s Empowerment—was established in 1993 with the mission to coordinate and advocate services for abused children in Jackson County and offers a safe place for those who have been abused to receive services. This organization coordinates services for these victims and provides a child friendly environment where the child and their families receive services and support.
The AWAKE staff provides free training, programs and presentations to schools, clubs and civic groups to help community members recognize signs of abuse and understand the importance of reporting it. Interested parties just need to call AWAKE at 828-586-3574 and ask to speak to Crystal Jones, the Executive Director, if you would like for your organization or staff to receive training on child abuse. You may also reach her at CJones@awakecacenter.org.
So, I hope you will join us Tuesday, February 6. Bring a covered dish and let’s fellowship together as we work to help those in need.