The Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center broke ground last month on their new building on Inner Loop in Georgetown. The larger facility is just one piece of a multi-million dollar campaign to expand programs and physical space, and build a stabilizing endowment to continue providing hope for abused children.
Nearly 200 people joined the center’s leadership, staff and board members; Williamson County elected leadership, law enforcement, members of the judiciary, and an impressive contingent of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) to celebrate the public phase of “The Power of Us” campaign.
The campaign makes powerful use of the collective strength of those involved, with the help of the community. Specific notions like, “Some children think no one cares… until they meet us,” all the way to “Some children’s dreams will come true… when they meet us,” are at the heart of the services, expertise, and compassion provided to victims and their families.
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said again, “The reason the Advocacy Center is the most important building in Williamson County is because it’s a place where children can come who are afraid, hurting, and terrified. Here, they will meet kindness, gentleness, police officers and prosecutors. They can begin to tell their story and help us build evidence to prosecute those who do violent crimes against children. It’s where hope begins and the opportunity for healing begins. I wish we didn’t have to expand this building but the reality is we have to.”
CEO Kerrie Stannell said, “Our vision is daring and bold. We envision a community where children grow up safe and free from abuse. Imagine that. This doesn’t happen on its own. This happens when a caring, committed, engaged, and educated community comes together. This is the power of you, the power of me, and the power of all of us.”