2024 Impact Report

Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center Annual Report | 2024

Understanding the Process A report of abuse has been made.

Read about what happens next.

pg. 7

Handle With Care After a successful pilot year, Pat's Place looks to expand this trauma notification partnership with CMPD and CMS.

pg. 14

Get Involved See a number of ways you can get involved and support Pat's Place with your time and resources.

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Annual Report | 2024

About Pat’s Place Pat’s Place, Mecklenburg County’s only child advocacy center, was established in 2005 to improve the system of protection for child victims of abuse. The Pat’s Place team coordinates the investigation and treatment of referred cases in a comfortable and child-friendly environment through forensic interviews, medical exams, counseling and advocacy support at no cost to a child’s family. The center on East Blvd. is named for Patricia “Pat” Wolfe, an inspiring child advocate in the Charlotte community who passed away in May 2000.

The Mission of Pat’s Place To protect and heal children, unite key partners, and engage the community to end child abuse.

Glossary of Acronyms

CAC – Child Advocacy Center CMPD – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department CMS – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing FJC – Family Justice Center MDT – Multidisciplinary Team MOU – Memorandum of Understanding PCIT – Parent-Child Interaction Therapy SRC – Survivor Resource Center TF-CBT – Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy YES – Youth Empowerment and Support

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Annual Report | 2024

Table of Contents 7

Message from the CEO

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Understanding the Process: How Pat’s Place Responds to a Report of Child Abuse

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Multidisciplinary Team: The Core of the Child Advocacy Center

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Training & Education: A Cornerstone of the Pat’s Place Mission

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YES! Program

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CHAT Collaborative

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Handle With Care

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The Healing Center’s Transformative Role in West Charlotte

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Survivor Resource Center: A Comprehensive Approach to Supporting Victims

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One Step Closer: An Update on The Umbrella Center

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8 Questions for Safer Sleepovers

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Ways to Get Involved

1,307 children served

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The People of Pat’s Place

1,162 caregivers served

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Save the Date

By The Numbers

Age 35%

Connect with Pat’s Place

13-18 years old

24%

0-6 years old

39%

7-12 years old

901 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203 704-335-2760 | patsplacecac.org Follow @patsplacecac

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A Message from the CEO & Board Chair

D

ear Friends and Supporters,

As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible strides we have made together at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. Our mission to protect and heal children has never been more critical. Your unwavering support has never been more instrumental in our success.

This year, we have deepened our impact in numerous ways. The opening of the Healing Center in West Charlotte stands as a testament to our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality trauma treatment to children and families in need. This new facility has already begun to transform lives, offering a safe haven where healing can truly begin.

Our multidisciplinary team (MDT) continues to be the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that every child receives comprehensive care from a dedicated group of professionals. The collaboration and dedication of our MDT partners have been nothing short of inspiring, significantly improving the outcomes for the children we serve.

We have also made significant progress with our Youth Empowerment and Support (YES!) program, which remains the only human trafficking prevention program for at-risk minors in Mecklenburg County. The positive impact of this program is evident in the lives of the youth we support, as they build resilience and find hope for a brighter future.

As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a community where every child thrives. We are grateful for your continued support and partnership, which enables us to make a lasting difference in the lives of so many for nearly 20 years.

Thank you for standing with us in this vital work. Together, we are building a brighter, safer future for all children.

With heartfelt gratitude, Andrew M. Oliver, Chief Executive Officer Laura Fahrney, Chair, Board of Directors

By The Numbers Gender 31% Male 69% Female Race 22% Unknown 1% Asian 1% Multi-racial 12% White

35% African

American

28% Hispanic

Annual Report | 2024

Response Services 513 forensic interview sessions 200 medical exams performed by Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital Pediatric Resource Center

170 medical exams with a forensic interview 295 children receiving therapeutic services 1,053 therapy sessions conducted

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Annual Report | 2024

Understanding The Process: How Pat’s Place Responds to a Report of Child Abuse

A

report of abuse has been made. Here’s what happens next.

participates in a medical evaluation, conducted by a certified child abuse medical practitioner. At the conclusion of their appointment, partners meet briefly with the non-offending caregivers to discuss next steps.

At the time of a child’s outcry of abuse, investigative partners contact Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center and speak with an intake specialist, who receives pertinent information to assist in assessing case dynamics and identifying required actions to ensure appropriateness for and efficiency in scheduling the forensic interview. Shortly thereafter, the intake specialist communicates with the non-offending caregiver and assesses their needs related to the child(ren) and the reported allegation.

Additionally, the intake specialist will provide a brief overview of the appointment and provide crisis intervention as needed.

Within a week of receiving services at Pat’s Place, Pat’s Place team members participate in an internal case review to identify family strengths, needs and mental health treatment options. Utilizing the recommendations offered from CHAT Collaborative team members (a network of more than 130 clinicians trained in specialized trauma treatment modalities) quality and trauma-focused mental health referrals are identified and later shared with the family. A larger MDT meeting is held later for information sharing and to allow case outcomes to be discussed among community and investigative partners to ensure collaboration among all stakeholders.

Once at Pat’s Place, the child and family are greeted by a client services specialist, who provides the child with a snack and alerts the family advocate of their arrival. The family advocate then obtains consent from the non-offending caregiver and assesses the comfort, communication and cognitive capacity of the child and their guardian. All information is provided to the multidisciplinary team (MDT) during the pre-conference discussion. After the child has begun the forensic interview process, the family advocate engages with the non-offending caregiver to identify areas of needed psychoeducational support, potential barriers to accessing services and community service agencies needed, as well as discuss the benefits of mental health treatment.

The family advocate will offer case management assistance following the family’s appointment and be a link between the family and investigative and community partners.

Benefits of the Child Advocacy Center Model: • Reduces the number of interviews a child victim must endure, which reduces the trauma to the child.

• Creates a comfortable, child-friendly environment for the investigation as opposed to the environment typically experienced in a hospital emergency room or police station.

• Greatly reduces the time victims and their families spend assisting with the investigation because all services are provided at one location – what once took weeks can often be achieved in hours.

• Reduces police and Child Protective Services investigative time.

During the forensic interview, the child will participate in a structured conversation with the forensic interviewer, who asks non-leading questions to elicit factual details of a child’s experience of maltreatment and/or their witness of an act of violence. Following the forensic interview, the child

• Enables quicker prosecutions through more efficient case processing.

• Increases communication between agencies for an improved understanding of their roles and case needs.

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Multidisciplinary Team: The Core of the Child Advocacy Center

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MDT Case Review

n Mecklenburg County, Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center facilitates the community’s Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) response to child abuse. The MDT coordinator is responsible for ensuring that investigative partners are oriented to the MDT model and are aware of the community’s guidelines for response to child abuse allegations. The coordinator facilitates regular MDT case review meetings to allow investigators and allied providers (law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical practitioners and mental health professionals) to discuss the needs of the child and the investigative progress. Pat’s Place is responsible for the maintenance of Mecklenburg County Child Sexual Abuse and Investigation Guidelines, MDT specialized training and community case tracking. The MDT Coordinator at Pat’s Place provides a leadership role across the agency and partner agencies by strengthening the community response to child abuse which positively impacts clients as well as increases coordination and positive outcomes.

All professionals responding to child abuse cases in Mecklenburg County are members of the MDT. Case review meetings bring together representatives from all disciplines to ensure the best interest of the child via the use of best practice interventions, information sharing and case planning. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss the status of the investigation(s), medical findings, the safety and needs of the child and the family, and who will ensure the child receives the treatment necessary to heal. Recently a team member commented, “The MDT case review went amazing, and all the partners came together. The forensic interviews went very well, and the medical input was very helpful to understanding the physical evidence in this case.”

Onboarding, Training and Team Building The MDT Coordinator provides the MDT Orientation to onboard all new partners. When the team functions and works collaboratively the outcomes for families improve. MDT Orientation is an important part of a strong MDT and allows new team members to collaborate with other professionals outside of their discipline and agency, engage in the new MDT process, build relationships, and foster shared goals and purpose.

Since November 2023, 61 MDT partners have participated in MDT Orientation. Per participant evaluations, these sessions are effective at increasing the team members’ understanding of the community’s MDT response and their role as a

MDT Executive Committee The coordinator leads the MDT Executive Committee, which consists of core partner agency leadership. This committee is responsible for ensuring joint case commencement to avoid duplication of work and limit the number of professionals with whom the child must interact.

Additional responsibilities include addressing systems issues, promoting best practices, overseeing the enhancement of response and protocol development, supporting MDT training and ensuring an optimal multidisciplinary response. The MDT Executive Committee ensures systemic barriers are addressed collaboratively and the group is engaged in productive conversations when challenges arise. This allows the MDT to continue to maintain best practice methods.

member of the MDT. Pat’s Place brings partners together to recognize and celebrate each member and discipline on the MDT. An annual MDT Partner Appreciation Luncheon helps foster relationship-building among the team. This year featured a raffle that allowed team members to win prizes, including books and gift cards. In May, team members attended

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Annual Report | 2024

the team. This year featured a raffle that allowed team members to win prizes, including books and gift cards. In May, team members attended a Charlotte Knights baseball game and enjoyed a relaxing night out creating relationships with each other.

of Pat’s Place as a Child Advocacy Center as the organization serves the most vulnerable population in Mecklenburg County: children and teens.

Pat’s Place’s MDT Coordinator facilitates monthly “Lunch & Learn” forums from September to June.

The presenters are experts from the community’s core and supportive partner agencies. Over the past year, 343 MDT professionals (168 unduplicated individuals) participated in 10 Lunch & Learn sessions. Participants consistently reported that the information provided has increased their skills and knowledge on a range of topics.

Cases by Maltreatment Type 5% at-risk interview 4% other 1% neglect 10% physical abuse 22%

In April 2024, Pat’s Place assisted 46 MDT partners with registration support for a local Child Abuse Symposium presented by Atrium Health. MDT professionals, including two Pat’s Place staff members, were featured as speakers. Educational opportunities allowed partners to network and build relationships needed to initiate and investigate cases jointly. Relationship building and partner support are vital to the continued success

witness to violence

58% sexual assualt 9

Annual Report | 2024

Training & Education: A Cornerstone of the Pat’s Place Mission

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s the community’s child trauma experts, Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center provides trainings to diverse groups, from religious organizations and athletic coaches to child welfare professionals and the community at large, covering a range of topics including body safety, child abuse prevention, recognizing and reporting child abuse, online safety and traumainformed care. The organization’s training program serves as the conduit to “…engage the community to end child abuse,” as stated in the organization’s mission statement.

In October 2023, Pat’s Place hired its first fulltime Bilingual (Spanish) Training Specialist.

Tasked with the goal of doubling the number of individuals trained and building relationships with new partners, specifically those serving Spanishspeaking community members, Wendy Hernandez accepted the challenge. Over the past year, with Hernandez leading the charge, Pat’s Place trained 2,538 adults, an increase of 1,000 individuals over the previous year.

In addition to Hernandez, 16 additional Pat’s Place staff members with subject-matter expertise presented at various forums throughout the year.

Topics covered included the impact of secondary traumatic stress in the workplace, being “safe to tell” in an interview, the Child Advocacy Center’s role in domestic violence investigations, and trauma, resiliency and the nervous system.

Pat’s Place staff members have presented at two local conferences, three regional conferences and one national conference. More than 300 community members and professionals received training focused on human trafficking, and 168 individuals were trained in Darkness to Light’s® Stewards of Children, an evidence-based sexual abuse prevention program that educates adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. If you or your organization are interested in hosting or attending a training, visit patsplacecac.org/training-opportunities for more information.

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Training & Education

79 training sessions facilitated by Pat's Place 2,538 participants trained on various child safety and prevention topics

Annual Report | 2024

YES! Program

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•

outh Empowerment and Support (YES!) is Mecklenburg County’s only human trafficking prevention program for at-risk minors. Over the past year, YES! has served 20 minors at risk of sexual exploitation or trafficking.

Utilizing wrap-around services that include case management, trauma-informed therapy and a psychoeducational/peer support group, the YES! program positively impacted its longest-standing participants.

Utilizing standardized validated assessment tools, YES! team members found that: • 83% of caregivers reported an increase in supportive and protective measures.

•

•

100% of youth reported an increase in protective factors including resilience, social connections, knowledge of adolescent development, concrete support in times of need, and cognitive and socialemotional competence.

100% of youth participating in mental health services demonstrated a reduction in trauma symptoms.

85% of program participants demonstrated a decrease in runaway behaviors.

YES! accepts referrals from local organizations encountering teens demonstrating behaviors indicative of trafficking or exploitation.

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CHAT Collaborative

he CHAT Collaborative, a network of more than 130 clinicians trained in specialized trauma treatment modalities, is one of the ways Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center has developed an innovative approach to quality mental health care. Currently, there are less than 60 clinicians in Mecklenburg County who are rostered in an evidence-based trauma treatment modality and accept Medicaid. Pat’s Place serves over 1,300 children annually, the majority of whom utilize Medicaid. Thus, many Pat’s Place clients have difficulty accessing needed services after experiencing a traumatic event. Historically, Pat’s Place has sub-

additional attention increases engagement in treatment and allows the team to support the family as they navigate the mental health system.

CHAT team members also provide consultation to community members. Anyone who needs a treatment recommendation or referral suggestion can talk with a CHAT specialist. The team provided consultations for 275 children during this fiscal year.

sidized mental health treatment for these clients via “Hope Chest” funds, paying trained providers the Medicaid rate for their services, which ensures that the children served by Pat’s Place receive highquality healing treatment regardless of their ability to pay.

information and vetted mental health providers.

The website was thoughtfully designed to be a source of information on trauma, including the impact of trauma on children, best-practice/goldstandard treatments and the benefits of therapy.

The site provides a searchable index of providers who are part of the CHAT Collaborative so that individuals in the community can search and filter by varying demographic information to find a therapist who is the best fit for their needs.

Since launching in April 2024, more than 1,100 clients have utilized this tool. This is an invaluable resource for individuals and professionals seeking help for children and their families.

During the 2024 fiscal year, the CHAT Collaborative made 258 direct referrals to CHAT network clinicians. When the team makes a direct referral, they also provide two-, four- and eight-week follow-up engagement calls to ensure that it is a best-fit referral and to address any barriers to treatment that may emerge for the family. This

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In spring 2024, Pat’s Place launched the CHAT Collaborative website: chatcollaborative.org.

This tool allows immediate access to education,

Annual Report | 2024

Handle With Care

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nitiated as a pilot program in Mecklenburg County in Fall 2023, Handle With Care (HWC) is a national program with roots in West Virginia. In the wake of a child’s exposure to a traumatic event, this collaborative response brings together first responders, school personnel and Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center to ensure a trauma-informed approach to the child’s continued well-being.

Prolonged exposure to trauma impacts a child’s ability to focus, behave appropriately, and learn.

Chronic absenteeism, poor academic performance and higher behavior referrals are often noted for children experiencing trauma.

HWC provides law enforcement officers responding to a call where a child is present a way to make a report through a secure web portal. In the portal, the officer provides only the name, age and school of the child. The notification goes to Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS) personnel who have been trained in trauma-informed care.

Within the trauma-informed schools, teachers, counselors and administrators receive special training on how to observe and respond to children who have experienced trauma. The school is not given any details of the event but in the days following the notification they can watch for acute signs of traumatic stress or monitor other basic needs. Because trauma symptoms don’t always show up immediately, CMS tracks attendance, behavior referrals and grades for all children who have received a HWC report throughout the academic year.

HWC was piloted during the 2023-2024 academic year in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD’s) Freedom Division, which covered 14 schools. There were 108 reports during the eight months that the program was live. Data from the pilot year of the project showed that HWC students had higher overall absences from school, poorer academic performance and more externalized behaviors in the classroom.

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As part of the therapeutic response, Pat’s Place provided licenses for CMS personnel to be trained in two school-based groups for students who have experienced trauma: - Bounce Back: K-4th grade - Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS): 5th-12th grade As the coordinator of Mecklenburg County’s MDT response, Pat’s Place is the HWC project facilitator and manages the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between partners, website development, training of law enforcement, coordination of training and response with CMS, and onboarding of new community partners such as private, parochial and charter schools. Pat’s Place is working with CMS and other partners to develop a multipronged response to best support the students impacted by trauma.

As HWC expands, Pat’s Place is engaged in strategic planning around how to best serve the highest number of at-risk students. In Fall 2024, HWC will expand to 52 additional schools covering four additional CMPD divisions as well as Huntersville Police Department, Cornelius Police Department and Davidson Police Department. Expansion will continue into the spring and fall semesters of 2025, bringing on all remaining CMS schools and county police departments. HWC is a promising response to community violence, and Pat’s Place is working hard to strengthen collaboration with its partners to provide the best care possible.

Handle With Care 14 schools participated in HWC's pilot year 108 reports were made during the pilot year 52 schools will offer HWC during the 2024-25 academic year

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Annual Report | 2024

The Healing Center’s Transformative Role in West Charlotte

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n June 2024, Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center celebrated the grand opening of the Healing Center, a new trauma treatment clinic in West Charlotte. Located at 1201 Woodridge Center Dr., the Healing Center was created to meet the growing demand for high-quality and accessible children’s trauma treatment in the community.

Addressing Community Needs Despite the growing need, children and families living in West Charlotte encounter significant barriers to accessing needed trauma treatment.

Recent work with the CHAT Collaborative, a network of more than 130 clinicians trained in specialized trauma treatment modalities, revealed a significant shortage of mental health providers and resources for children affected by violence and abuse. The Healing Center was designed to address these disparities by offering a welcoming 3,900-square-foot space equipped with individual and group therapy rooms, a dedicated suite for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and facilities for the new YES! antitrafficking team.

Key Achievements and Services 1. Expanded Therapy Services: The Healing Center provides plenty of space to provide comprehensive, evidence-based counseling interventions, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Individual, group and family therapy are provided at no cost to families, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit access to essential services.

2. Enhanced Community Collaboration: True to the organization’s collaborative spirit, community-based therapists affiliated with the CHAT Collaborative are able to use the space rent-free. This arrangement has amplified the availability of trauma treatment

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in West Charlotte, fostering a network of care that extends beyond the direct services provided at Pat’s Place.

3. Training and Outreach: The Healing Center serves as a hub for training community-based clinicians in evidence-based practices. Learning collaboratives, sponsored by Pat’s Place, will elevate the quality of therapy available to children across the region and build a more knowledgeable and effective network of child-serving providers.

Impacting Children & Families The Healing Center is already making a significant difference in the lives of many. Families have reported profound improvements in their children’s emotional well-being and recovery, attributing these positive changes to the dedicated support and specialized therapy offered at Pat’s Place.

Testimonials from caregivers and children highlight the transformative effect of the Healing Center’s services, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the community.

Looking Ahead The Healing Center has quickly become a beacon of hope and healing in West Charlotte. Through the comprehensive approach to therapy, community collaboration, and unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families, Pat’s Place is proud of the progress that’s been made.

Looking toward the future, Pat’s Place envisions a community where every child thrives, where the echoes of trauma are met with resilience and where healing is within reach for all who need it. Pat’s Place represents a promise to children and families that they will never face their challenges alone. Together, a brighter, stronger future is being built, one step at a time.

Healing Center 96 Healing Center clients served 437 direct referals made (including mental health and other services)

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SRC Services 119 children served 89 caregivers served 4 children received forensic interviews 84 trauma assessments conducted 93 parent education sessions 1,053 therapy sessions provided

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M

Survivor Resource Center: A Comprehensive Approach to Supporting Victims

ecklenburg County’s Survivor Resource Center (SRC), which opened in February 2021, serves as a vital precursor to The Umbrella Center. This innovative facility has been instrumental in providing crucial support and services to survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In just over three years, the SRC has made a significant impact, serving nearly 4,000 individuals, including both adults and children.

survivors to repeatedly recount their traumatic experiences. This system, alongside regular collaborative meetings and a triage and case review process, has helped streamline services and foster a more integrated support network.

A notable development is the formation of a "high-risk" taskforce, initiated in October 2022, which includes all key partners at the SRC. This taskforce meets weekly to review and manage cases identified as having a high risk of lethal outcomes.

To date, the team has reviewed over 100 cases, with 87 of these being addressed within 72 hours. The taskforce focuses on proactive measures to ensure the safety of victims, especially in critical situations such as when perpetrators are released from jail or when protective orders expire.

Initially, the SRC was designed to address the most high-risk cases, particularly those with the highest likelihood of fatal outcomes. Referrals to the SRC were primarily made through partners such as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), Atrium Health, Safe Alliance’s Domestic Violence Hotline and the District Attorney’s office.

Since its inception, the SRC has received over 1,500 referrals, with victims now also able to make appointments directly without prior referrals.

A key component of the SRC’s success is its collaboration with on-site partners like Pat’s Place and Safe Alliance, among others. Pat’s Place has played a pivotal role in providing advocacy, forensic interviews, trauma assessments and service linkage. Since March 2021, Pat’s Place has served 441 children and their caregivers through the SRC. In total, nearly 1,900 children have benefited from these services, which have been essential for those identified through cases of domestic violence involving their parents or guardians.

The SRC’s comprehensive and collaborative model aims to break the cycle of abuse by addressing both immediate and long-term needs of survivors. As efforts to build The Umbrella Center continue, the SRC’s achievements underscore the importance of a holistic and integrated approach in supporting victims and enhancing community safety.

The SRC’s approach extends beyond immediate crisis intervention. The center has developed a universal data system that minimizes the need for

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One Step Closer: An Update on The Umbrella Center

P

at’s Place continues to serve as one of the

will be a single in-take process allowing victims

leading agencies in bringing a Family

to convey their abuse in an effective and dignified

Justice Center to the local community.

Family Justice Centers are a tested collaboration,

manner. A personal navigator will lead them through all available and needed services.

which have demonstrated positive outcomes in improving victim survival and reducing rates of violence and homicide. Family Justice Centers are

This past year has been an exciting time in bringing

recognized as a national best practice.

this important public-private partnership to life for the community. The financial goal for this effort is $43 million, and over $38 million in private and public dollars has been committed to date.

The Char-Meck Family Justice Center (FJC)—named The Umbrella Center, will be based on national best practices and introduce innovative concepts

Mecklenburg County has committed $10 million to the project and will also own and maintain

such as incorporating a Child Advocacy Center and addressing elder abuse and human trafficking.

Once opened, The Umbrella Center will help

the building once complete, which frees up the nonprofits to focus on providing services. The nonprofits will have dedicated use of the building

10,000+ people of all ages annually to transform their darkest hours into brighter tomorrows.

for 40 years and will not be responsible for capital expenses. The City of Charlotte is providing $5

The Umbrella Center will transform the

million, and The Umbrella Center will house Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers focused on abuse. The private fundraising campaign committee includes survivors of abuse and has raised over $20 million in private contributions. This includes several significant leadership gifts, including over 12 $1+ million commitments.

community's response to serving victims of abuse, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child maltreatment, elder abuse and human trafficking.

The Umbrella Center is designed to change each step of a victim’s experience – from police response and medical care, to advocacy, counseling and court procedures to help people recover their lives.

When opened, The Umbrella Center will colocate over 200 staff from 15 agency partners to streamline case investigations, mitigate barriers to effective care and support healing after abuse.

Additional visiting organizations will use shared workspaces to provide a range of wraparound

The Umbrella Center Coming to Charlotte

services and resources to adult and child victims of trauma throughout Mecklenburg County. There

Located at

Fall 2026

4822 Albemarle Rd. Charlotte, NC 28205

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Photos from the May 29, 2024 WellCare of North Carolina and Centene Foundation press conference announcing their $1.95 Million investment in The Umbrella Center.

Annual Report | 2024

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8 Questions for Safer Sleepovers

W

ith school in session comes new

itself to safety and supervision? Where will your

friendships, birthday invitations, and

child be sleeping? Is there an open-door policy

the request for sleepovers. The word

during sleepovers?

sleepover is enough to make any parent’s radar

5. Can I talk with the parent(s) about my concerns

start a-buzzing. Torn between one of the exciting joys of childhood and wanting to keep your child safe – what do you do?

and needs? If you can’t, consider this a negative on the gut check meter. If you can’t comfortably voice your concerns, how can you expect your child to feel safe in this home.

If you are considering allowing your child to attend a sleepover, first start with a gut check. What does

6. What are my hard and fast rules? Obviously, no isolated one-on-one situations should be allowed under any circumstances. Beyond that rule, what about movies? Drinking? Must your child check in

your gut feel when you think about your child at this home? If you have no initial reaction, it may be because you don’t have enough information one

for permission if the original plans change?

way or the other about how safe your child will be in the other family’s care. “No feeling” is not an

7. What safety and comfort contingencies can I

adequate response.

put in place? Does the home have a pool or guns in the house? Think creatively together about all the

Thanks to Darkness to Light®, they have compiled

different scenarios when it comes to preparing your

eight questions for parents to refer to for safer

child for safety and comfort. The What if? game is a good way to talk through possible scenarios and the

sleepovers. Beyond the gut check, ask yourself the following questions and really think through the answers to each.

appropriate responses. What if you woke up in the middle of the night and got scared? What if Danny (older brother) asked you to hang out in his room?

1. What would make my child, tween, or teen “ready”? Reflect on the child’s maturity, disposition and experience with being separated from their parents.

This is also a good time to consider sending a cell phone with your child – making is easier to call if they are ready to come home.

8. What check-in points can we put into the mix?

Some parents ask for a call before bedtime, or a text or two throughout the evening.

2. How well do I know this family? Reflect on the interactions you’ve had with this family. Ideally, there have been several interactions prior to the sleepover.

Having considered all of these questions, now what is your gut feeling?

3. What kind of adult supervision will there be and who else will be present? Will there be teenagers present? Others from outside the immediate family? Is this a group sleepover?

This article was reprinted with the permission of Project Harmony.

4. What is their household like? Will your child feel comfortable in this home? Does the layout lend

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Ways to Get Involved

B

etter together. Whether you’re looking to

make a difference in the lives of children in the

get involved as an individual, business,

community who have experienced abuse.

church or civic organization, there are several ways for you to make a profound difference

Organize a Snack or Toy Drive:

in the lives of the children supported by Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center

Every child who visits Pat’s Place for services receives snacks and drinks during their visit and

Host a Training:

a toy to take home. With more than 1,300 children

All children deserve to be safe, and each of us has a responsibility to learn how to recognize and respond to concerns about abuse or neglect.

visiting Pat’s Place this year, in-kind donations of snacks, drinks or toys are always appreciated.

These donations help the Pat’s Place team direct financial resources to where they are most needed.

Pat’s Place offers a variety of trainings to prepare

To learn more about hosting a snack or toy drive,

for this responsibility. To see a full list of training opportunities, visit patsplacecac.org/trainingopportunities.

email kelly@patsplacecac.org.

Sponsor an Event:

Become an Impact Partner:

With three signature annual fundraisers – Rhythm & Brews, Everyday Heroes Philanthropy Luncheon,

Become an Impact Partner (monthly donor) in the

and BBQ & Blue Jeans – there’s sure to be an

way that best fits you! Whether it’s $5 or $100, your

event worth supporting. With your sponsorship,

sustained giving provides you the opportunity to

you’ll gain access to the event along with other

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exclusive benefits, but more importantly, you will be investing in the welfare of the most vulnerable in the community, children and families affected by abuse. To learn more about each event, visit patsplacecac.org/all-events.

Place to plan for the future, expand programs, and reach more children in need of hope and healing.

By giving annually, you play a vital role in fueling progress, providing stability, and making positive change possible in our community.

Join the Pat’s Place Young Professionals Group:

These are just a handful of ways to get involved. The team at Pat’s Place is ready and available to help turn your interests and commitment into action!

Engage with other like-minded young professionals at exclusive networking events, leadership development trainings and hands-on volunteer opportunities, all while building lifelong connections and championing a cause that truly matters. For more information about the Pat’s Place Young Professionals group, email elisia@ patsplacecac.org.

Make an Annual Gift to Pat's Place:

Circle of Friends

Making an annual gift is a meaningful way to support the ongoing mission of Pat's Place and ensure its sustainability. Annual gifts help Pat's

The Circle of Friends Giving Society recognizes individuals, corporate champions and foundations who contribute a minimum of $1,000 to Pat's Place over the course of one fiscal year. This year, Pat's Place is pleased to honor 179 members who have collectively contributed over $1,180,526 to support children who have experienced abuse in our community. To see a full list of Friends, visit patsplacecac.org.

To learn how you can become a Circle of Friends member and to discuss membership benefits, contact Lori Avery, Sr. Director of Philanthropy, at lori@patsplacecac.org

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-807-2214.

The license is not an endorsement by the State.

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Annual Report | 2024

The People of Pat’s Place Lori Avery, Sr. Director of Philanthropy Alaka Ayres, Director of Multidisciplinary Partnerships Andrea Bartoli, CHAT Collaborative Network Specialist Lee Barton, Business Operations Specialist Holly Bloom, Forensic Interviewer Abby Cornele, Family Advocate Mary Kathryn Elkins, Director of Healing Services Ann Glaser, Sr. Administrative Director Jessica Grubb, Child + Family Therapist Angelica Hernandez, Client Services Specialist Wendy Hernandez, Training Specialist Maria Hernandez Leon, Bilingual Intake Associate RJ Kline, CHAT Engagement + Data Specialist Elisia McKnight, Development Associate Kaylan Mariano, Assistant Director of Development Kelly Navarro, Marketing + Communications Associate Ellen Norris, Client Services Specialist Andrew Oliver, CEO Anie Reyes, Bilingual Family Advocate Nieves Rodriguez, Bilingual Family Advocate Jacie Santiago, Intake Specialist + Family Advocate Layla Sarmiento-Dadan, Bilingual Forensic Interviewer Juanita Vargas Ibanez, Bilingual Case Manager Kelli Wood, Directorof Response Services Levine Children’s Hospital Pediatric Resource Center Staff Alexia Fox, Office Coordinator Kendra K. Ham, Medical Director Valencia Jeffcoat, Nurse Practitioner Dionne Pierson, Clinical Nurse

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Annual Report | 2024

Save The Date Board of Directors

Rhythm & Brews

February 22, 2025 The Peninsula Club A great way to celebrate with friends up at the Lake! Guests enjoy a casual fun-filled evening with delicious food, local craft brews, and lively music with 250+ of Pat’s Place’s closest friends and supporters.

Special thanks to all the 2024 Rhythm & Brews supporters for their generosity including our Champion Sponsors, Giving With Grace Foundation and Lake Norman Chrysler Jeep Dodge & Ram!

Laura Fahrney, Chair Ridgemont Equity Partners

Pearlynn Houck, Vice Chair Atlantic Coast Conference

Crystal Utley, Secretary Bespoke Capital Consulting

Chris Williams, Treasurer First Horizon Bank

Henry Beards UPS

Anne Brady Moore Carlson Community Volunteer

Astrid Chirinos YMCA of Greater Charlotte

Everyday Heroes Luncheon April 29, 2025 NASCAR Hall of Fame

An opportunity for individuals to learn about the mission of Pat’s Place in an intimate setting during an hour-long program while raising money to support children and families affected by abuse.

Special thanks to all the 2024 Everyday Heroes sponsors for their generosity including our Elite Sponsor, First Horizon!

Gabe Esparza Community Volunteer

Katrina Collins Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation

Otis Ku Bank of America

Dr. Jacqueline McKnight Community Volunteer

Deborah Majewski The Leon Levine Foundation

Pia Millican PIA International

Dr. Stacy Nicholson

BBQ & Blue Jeans September 2025

Atrium Health/Levine Children’s Hospital

Dr. Cotrane Penn Mecklenburg County DSS

The signature fundraising event for Pat’s Place where guests enjoy a casual evening enjoying Midwood Smokehouse BBQ, cold beer and wine, and lively music in an outdoor setting with 250+ of Pat’s Place’s closest friends.

Special thanks to the 2023 BBQ & Blue Jeans sponsors for their generosity!

Nicole Six WellCare of North Carolina

Chris Socha Edifice

Dr. Erin Trakas Novant Health

Angie Zimmern McGuireWoods

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If you suspect a child has been abused or neglected, call 980-31- HELPS or 9-1-1.