Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report

Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Letter from Our Executive Director Dear Friends and Supporters, As we approach the end of another impactful year at the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all that we have accomplished together. In 2023 the Advocacy Center served over 12,000 residents of Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties.

Fiscal Year 2023 brought a lot of change and transition to the Advocacy Center, but we continued to be a beacon of hope for those who have experienced trauma, providing unwavering support, advocacy, and resources. I couldn’t be more proud of our dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and partners who worked tirelessly to ensure that every person who qualified for or sought our services received them. I am eager for you to learn about our impact and meet our incredible staff in the coming pages.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. Your generosity and commitment have enabled us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of over 12,000 people.

Looking ahead to 2024, I am excited about all that is to come. There is still much work to be done, but we are committed to continuing our mission with the same passion and dedication that has defined the Advocacy Center throughout our history.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together we will continue working towards a safer and more compassionate community.

Sincerely,

Aleigh Ascherl Executive Director

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Our Mission

The mission of the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is to promote healing of children and crime victims through culturally sensitive advocacy, collaboration, prevention, and treatment.

Our Core Values Collaboration We address big issues utilizing teamwork and partnership.

Integrity We are ethical and trustworthy, making responsible decisions based on professional standards and best practices.

Compassion We genuinely care about everyone we work with and serve.

Inclusivity We are committed to a culture that treats everyone with dignity, centering each person's diverse perspective and experiences.

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Board of Directors October 2022 -September 2023

Bricker Bruner President

Dr. Kristy Donaldson Vice President

Dr. Shannon Hankhouse Treasurer

Miki Alvarado Secretary

Dr. Bosi Amoro

Lindsay Bawduniak

Rachael Fineske

Frank Gentsch

Tammy Harralson

Sarah HopkinsMcCormick

Kristin Kaye

Joseph Scaramucci

Josh Tetens

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Our Team This year brought many changes at the Advocacy Center. After a six-month stint as the Interim, Aleigh Ascherl became our Executive Director on March 14th. Aleigh has been at the agency for 9 years, serving as the Prevention and Education Director prior to accepting the role as Interim.

In January, we welcomed Lori Presley McCarter as our new Director of Advancement. Lori hit the ground running, playing a big role in our most successful

Aleigh Ascherl Executive Director

Mardi Gras ball to date.

June brought another new face to our leadership team as Kyla Wilson became our

new

Prevention

and

Education

Director. Kyla spent the school year as an award-winning

Community

Practice

Master of Social Work Student Intern in our Prevention and Education Department, and we are glad to have her as an official part of our team.

Dr. Kerry Burkley Associate Director and Childrens Advocacy Center Program Director

Doug Cummins, LPC

Lori Presley McCarter

Interim Clinical Director

Director of Advancement

Kyla Wilson, LMSW

Prevention and Education Director

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Our Team Administration

Sue Argabright

Katie Lauderdale

Grants and Staff Accountant

Operations and Administration Manager

Children's Advocacy Center Dr. Soo Battle

Patsy Buckner

Medical Advisor and Child Sexual Abuse Examiner

Family Advocate

Bernie Cano

Ashley Cassell

Alexis Dawkins

Client Service Specialist

Statewide Intake Supervisor

CAC Rural Client Services Specialist

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Our Team Not Pictured

Heather Fillmore

Heydi McKinney

Forensic Interviewer

Bilingual Family Advocate and Forensic Interviwer

Kristi Skains

Sonya Vasquez

Forensic Interviewer

Ida Parmer Statewide Intake Coordinator

Forensic Interviewer

Prevention and Education Arianna Gaines

Maria Barragan Vargas

Prevention Educator

Prevention Community Organizer

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Our Team Victims Center

Lucero Aguilar

Amy Derrick

Bilingual Counselor

Crisis Hotline Coordinator and Case Manager

Laura Downing

Sarah Hopping

Mickie Dye

Bilingual Counselor

Case Manager and CSEY Coordinator

S.A.F.E. Coordinator

Not Pictured

Melissa Mansolo-Byrd Rural Victims Center Case Manager

Kat McBride

Erika Rodriguez

Crisis Hotline Supervisor and Case Manager

Counselor

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Our Team Not Pictured

Samantha Simpson

Shannon Yocham

Counselor

Counselor

Congratulations!

This year marks 26 years of employment at the Advocacy Center for two of our Incredible employees. Please join us in celebrating and thanking Dr. Kerry Burkley and Patsy Buckner for 26 years (and counting!) of commitment to victims of crime In Central Texas.

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SAFE Nurses The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE) program is made up of specially trained Registerd Nurses who are on-call 24/7. They offer compassionate care and support for victims at a moment’s notice. Nurses meet rigorous legal and medical standards required by statute and ethical code. Their work includes forensic medical collection, medical intervention, health education, follow up referrals and objective legal testimony.

Mickie Dye S.A.F.E. Coordinator

Michele Groetzinger

Brandy Kennedy

S.A.F.E. Nurse

S.A.F.E. Nurse

Penny Mosley

Wanda Roark

Mary Terry

S.A.F.E. Nurse

S.A.F.E. Nurse

S.A.F.E. Nurse

Not Pictured

159

In 2023, forensic medical examinations were performed by a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner.

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Children's Advocacy Center The mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center program is to 1) minimize revictimization of children and protective family members as they go through the investigation, assessment, intervention, and prosecution process; and 2) maintain a cooperative, team approach to facilitate successful outcomes in both the criminal and child protection systems through shared fact-finding and strong, collaborative case development. Under this guidance, the CAC program has effectively engaged with our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) partners to ensure client service and informed victim advocacy.

In 2023, the Children’s Advocacy Center provided forensic interviews for children 17 and under who have made an outcry of abuse, if abuse is suspected, or if the child has witnessed a crime.

642

FORENSIC INTERVIEWS BY COUNTY Falls County Freestone County 8% 2% Hill County 12%

Limestone County 8%

McLennan County 70%

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

59

This year children received child forensic medical examinations MEDICAL EXAMS OCT 2022 - SEP 2023

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May June July

Aug

Sep

The Children’s Advocacy Center provided Family Forward and Learning Initiatives Following Trauma groups for non-offending parents.

183

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Prevention and Education The Prevention and Education Team is dedicated to working toward change in attitudes, behaviors, and norms that could lead to the perpetration of sexual violence. Traditionally, our services have largely centered around group facilitation of our in-house curriculum, “#HealthyRelationshipGoals” with groups of K-12 students. Over the past year, we have begun expanding our vision for our department to include a larger focus on community organizing and mobilization which included the addition of a new position - Prevention Community Organizer.

We have been working to develop stronger relationships with our community partners and to create an environment of empowerment by which individuals have the tools and opportunity to enact change within their own circles of influence. This work includes supporting other organizations and initiatives already at work throughout the community, being an active participant in community events, and creating new projects with our community partners. Throughout this year we have also conducted a number of trainings and presentations throughout the community, including a Child Abuse Prevention Training, and a newly launched Bystander Approaches training for local businesses! In an effort to continue addressing social norms and attitudes that contribute to the perpetration of sexual violence, we also create content centralized on healthy relationships on our Instagram account, @accvc_prevention, and our podcast, Real-ationship Goals, available wherever you access your podcasts and YouTube.

In 2023 Prevention and Education:

959 prevention programs to 9,523 attendees.

Released 51 prevention-related podcast episodes with 4,035listens.

Presented

Together prevention is possible!

MEDICAL EXAMS BY MONTH ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Victims Center The Victims Center responds immediately to survivors of violence. While 70% of those served by the program are affected by sexual assault, the agency works with victims of all crimes. Services provided include a 24-hour Crisis Hotline, sexual assault nurse exams, case management and counseling. Individual, family, and group therapy are available. In 2023 they provided:

620 responses to the 24/7 crisis hotline 196 1,123

of the 620 crisis hotline calls resulted in Advocates going to Waco hospitals primary and secondary victims of crime received direct counseling and advocacy services

Victims Center staff are dedicated to maintaining best practices through training and research. In July 2023, most of the Victims Center staff attended

the

annual

Texas

Association Against Sexual Assault Conference together.

ADVOCACY CENTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Fundraising and Advancement Our Fundraising Team had a successful year full of fun events. The Advancement Department is in charge of all major giving, planned giving, annual support, special events, community stewardship, and public relations for the agency. They are tasked with the important work of providing critical funds for our work and for our clients.

In 2023 several events and campaigns brought much-needed resources to the Advocacy Center: The 2023 Mardi Gras Ball was our best yet, bringing $123,000 to ACCVC. In April, Pinwheels for Prevention provided ACCVC with over $10,000. Designer Purse Bingo in September also had its most successful year yet, raising over $64,000!

Be on the lookout in 2024 for new events

to

continue

raising

awareness and funds to continue our mission at the Advocacy Center.

You can sign-up to be a sponsor for any of our events or donate to the Advocacy Center at our website www.advocacycntr.org Follow us on social media to stay up to date on all giving opportunities!

Advocacy Center Supporters $15,000 and Above Bruner Events

Cooper Foundation

Lonestar Truck Group KWKT - Fox 44

iHeart Media Group

$5,000 - $14,999 Apple Sport Auto Group

Camp Careful/ Drs. Jake & Soo Battle

G2 by Georgio's

Ascension Providence

Di’Amore Fine Jewlers

H-E-B

Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest

Dr. Jeff and Mrs. Misti White

Magnolia

Bird Kultgen Ford

Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas

Marineland Boating Center

Blanchard & Thomas, PLLC Bobcat Heavy Civil, LLC.

First National Bank of Central Texas

The Olive Branch Richard Karr Motors Waco Foundation

$1,000 - $4,999 Adrienne & Daniel Hare Advanced Pain Care Dr. Bosi Amoro Mr. & Mrs. Brian P. Bivona Brazos Braces Beauty Brands The Bruce Lab Buckeye Bingo Cargill, Inc.

Extraco Banks

Levi Gin Social House Lochridge Priest

FORVIS Lacy & Billy Gaines

Cate Marmonti

Gathering Oaks Retreat Gentiva

Mr. & Mrs. Andy McSwain Lauren & Andrew Murray

Grande Cares David & Anna Myers Myatt Fuels Tammy Harralson Harrison Davis Morrison Jones Peper/McCloskey Family Hewitt Nursing & Photography by Cecy Rehabilitation Dr. David & Mrs. Kristin Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Judge David and Mrs. Kim Pinkstaff Jo Anderson Foundation Hodges James and Angie Chase Home Instead Simply Delicious Bakery Hornet Signs Alexander Cole Alice Starr Community Bank and Trust Interim Healthcare Studentloans.com by Josh Satterfield - Edward Jones Brazos Higher Education Camille Johnson Relators Roger & Betty Teufel Cedar Crest Hospital & RTC JobLink JRBT Jacob Davis TFNB Your Bank for Life Kendra Scott Kyle Underwood William DeMott KWTX News 10 Do It Best Foundation Visiting Angels Dr. Kristy Donaldson La Fiesta Dr. Van & Mrs. Jenny Mickie Dye Lee Lanning Wehmeyer

Advocacy Center Supporters $250 - $999 Emily Allen Jay & Jamie Goble Michelle & Brad Hayes Rick Bostick Central Christian Church CWF Christy & William Hix Central Texas Iron Works Larry Holze

Richfield Christian Church David & Sara Risinger Ester De Los Santos Kelli & Nick Santos

Dr. Michael & Mrs. Stephanie Cooney Amanda & Matt Cunningham Genny Davis Larry Davis Betty Denton Jay & Carol Ehret

Melanie Illich

Mandi & Cliff Emmons First Baptist Church Woodway Five Star Painting of Waco

Rand McNally Brad Meece

Seventh & James Baptist Church Bleva & Karl Sheppard Jillian & Will Schnautz Hollie Short Michale & Candis Spruill John & Brenda Stephens SWAGG Brad & Beth Toben

Pamela Flores Karen & Steve Fortenberry

Nina & JW Musil Chris & Taina Northington

Fortenberry Insurance Dan Francis Granite Guys

Kylie O’Donnell Nadya Rafferty Ralph Reynolds

Kent Garbet Properties LLC Lakeshore Baptist Church Lighting by GGA/GGA Pest Jacky & Sean McCloskey Dana McKenzie

Menasha Corporation

As you read earlier, one of our core values is collaboration - we absolutely could not do the important work we do without all of our partners, including our donors. Thank you to each and every person who donated this past year. You are an invaluable part of our team, and we look forward to partnering with you again this year!

Marissa Tiner Laurie Wagnon & Richard Lazott Paul A. Wash Kathy Wise Angie Wood Janna York

Connect With Us To learn more visit advocacycntr.org

@AdvocacyWaco

@AdvocacyWaco

@ACCVC_Prevention

3312 Hillcrest Drive Waco, TX 76708 (254) 752-9330