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