to protect and heal children, unite key partners, and engage the community to end child abuse.
04. MESSAGE FROM THE CEO + BOARD CHAIR
14. QPR: QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER
05. CORE SERVICES
15. PREVENTION THROUGH PARTNERSHIP
07. BBQ + BLUE JEANS: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PURPOSE
16. HANDS, HEARTS, AND HOPE: GRAY’S NATIONWIDE IMPACT
08. 2025 BY THE NUMBERS
10. PLANTING THE SEEDS OF SAFETY
18. THE UMBRELLA CENTER: A NEW ERA FOR SURVIVOR SUPPORT
20. SAVE THE DATE
11. THE NEXT GENERATION OF ADVOCATES
12. WHAT’S YOUR WHY
22. WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
a message from the ceo + Board chair
DAs we reflect on the past year at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center, we are reminded that progress is not measured solely by numbers or milestones—but by the lives changed, the trust earned, and the hope restored. For us, FY25 was a year marked by deepened impact
and bold momentum, as we continued to reimagine how our community responds to children and families impacted by violence and abuse.
This report is more than a summary of programs and statistics—it’s a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets collaboration. From expanding access to care and strengthening partnerships, to preparing for the transformative future of The Umbrella Center, every step we took was guided by our unwavering commitment to those we serve.
We invite you to explore the pages ahead not just as a record of what we’ve done, but as a reflection of who we are: a community united in purpose, driven by hope, and determined to ensure that every child has a safe place to tell their story.
Thank you for walking alongside us. Your support fuels our mission and affirms that healing is possible, justice is essential, and every child deserves to be seen, heard, and protected.
With deep gratitude, ear Friends,
ANDREW M. OLIVER
PAT’S PLACE CEO
LAURA FARHNEY
PAT’S PLACE BOARD CHAIR
CORE SERVICES
FAMILY ADVOCACY
Families receive guidance and support from the moment they walk through the doors. Advocates help caregivers navigate the investigative process, connect to community resources, and ensure families feel heard, informed and supported every step of the way.
FORENSIC INTERVIEWING
Specially trained professionals conduct developmentally appropriate, legally sound interviews with children. These conversations provide a safe space for children to share their experiences while minimizing the need for repeated questioning.
TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPY
Licensed therapists provide evidence-based, trauma-focused mental health treatment to help children and families heal. Therapy sessions provided by Pat’s Place and/or CHAT Collaborative clinicians equip children with coping skills, build resilience and support long-term recovery.
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
On-site medical providers conduct childfriendly exams to ensure each child’s health and safety. These exams reassure families, address medical needs, and gather important documentation in a compassionate and noninvasive manner.
Pat’s Place Staff
Lori Avery, Director of Communications
Alaka Ayres, Director of Multidisciplinary Partnerships
Andrea Bartoli, CHAT Collaborative Network Specialist
Holly Bloom, Forensic Interviewer
Indya Burns, Client Services Specialist
Ella Ceppetelli, Client Services Specialist
Jennifer Contreras, Client Services Specialist
Mary Kathryn Elkins, Director of Healing Services
Jessica Grubb, Child + Family Therapist
Angelica Hernandez, Client Services Specialist
Wendy Hernandez, Training Specialist
Maria Hernandez Leon, Client Services Specialist
Amanda LeBlanc, Accounting Associate
Kaylan Mariano, Director of Development
Elisia McKnight, Development + Communications Associate
Natalie Montelongo, Operations Manager
Kelly Navarro, Marketing + Communications Associate
Brennan Nebrig, CHAT Collaborative Specialist
Andrew Oliver, Chief Executive Officer
Gabby Phan Acosta, Bilingual Family Advocate
Anie Reyes, Bilingual Case Manager
Jacie Santiago, Intake Specialist + Family Advocate
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
BBQ & BLUE JEANS: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PURPOSE
From backyard beginnings to record-breaking milestones, this community tradition has fueled hope and healing for two decades
This year marked a special milestone for Pat’s Place Child Advocay Center: the 20th anniversary of BBQ & Blue Jeans, an annual signature fundraising event that brings the community together in support of the mis-
sion to protect and heal children, unite key partners and end child abuse.
Fittingly, the celebration returned to where it all began — the home of Liz and Walker Simmons, the original hosts of the very first BBQ & Blue Jeans in 2004. While the house may have changed, the hosts remained the same and their warm hospitality once again set the stage for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, memories and purpose.
Guests gathered on the Simmons’ lawn to reconnect with old friends and welcome new faces, all united by a shared commitment to helping children who have been impacted by abuse thrive. It was a powerful reminder of how far this event — and the Pat’s Place mission — have come over the past two decades.
And this wasn’t just any BBQ — it was a BBQ for the record books. Thanks to incredible sponsors, vendors, donors and guests, the 20th Annual BBQ & Blue Jeans was the most successful, raising over $250,000.
Key partners who made the night so special include:
• Midwood Smokehouse for the mouthwatering BBQ
• Adams Beverages for the cold beverages
• And of course, the many generous sponsors, donors, staff, and volunteers
It’s about more than BBQ. Supporting events like BBQ & Blue Jeans ensures that Pat’s Place can continue providing critical and compassionate services to child victims of abuse and their families — at no cost to them.
Here’s to 20 more years of coming together in denim for a cause that matters.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR OF BBQ & BLUE JEANS OR ANOTHER PAT’S PLACE EVENT? SCAN THE QR CODE.
2025 by the numbers
1,051 CHILDREN RECEIVED SERVICES
1,103 CAREGIVERS RECEIVED SERVICES
OF CLIENTS SERVED
RACE OF CLIENTS
MALTREATMENT OF CHILDREN SERVED
*This number is higher than the count due to some children experiencing poly-victimization. Also note that the percentages add up to more than 100% since some children had more than one victimization.
PROGRAM SERVICES
430 children receiving forensic interviews
478 forensic interview sessions
25 rapid response forensic interviews
182 medical exams completed
140 medical exams completed in conjunction with forensic interview
SRC SERVICES
89 children served at the SRC
94 caregivers served at the SRC
26 trauma assessments conducted at the SRC 34 parent education sessions conducted at the SRC
*Survivor Resource Center (SRC) is the precursor to our new home, The Umbrella Center, serving the highest lethality domestic violence cases.
OUTREACH + EDUCATION
68 training sessions provided 1,608 participants trained on a variety of prevention topics
HEALING SERVICES
214 Hope Chest Therapy Sessions provided by CHAT Collaborative clinicians
79 individuals receiving therapeutic services
Number of direct referrals made:
226 Mental Health
49 Other services
Planting the seeds of safety
New Body Safety Story Time combines interactive learning and caregiver resources to empower children throughout Mecklenburg County
Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center believes every child deserves to feel safe, respected and heard. This year, Pat’s Place launched
a new education offering called Body Safety Story Time to help children and their caregivers learn essential skills around personal safety in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
Pat’s Place Bilingual Training Specialist Wendy Hernandez saw a need in the community for direct body safety education but was dissatisfied with existing curriculums that required multiple lengthy sessions, so she designed a unique program tailored to young children. Using the vetted children’s book It’s My Body, I Have a Say by Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs, interactive activities were created that teach:
• Body safety and personal boundaries.
• How to use their voice and identify trusted adults.
• Respecting the boundaries of others.
To ensure lessons extend beyond the classroom, a caregiver resource packet was also created with activities families can do together at home.
Following a successful pilot period, Pat’s Place secured grant funding from Smart Start of Mecklenburg County for FY26 to expand this work by implementing ROAR, an evidencebacked curriculum designed for children ages 0-8. Through ROAR, Pat’s Place will be able to reach even more preschool and early elementary-aged children throughout the county with consistent, developmentally appro-
priate body safety education.
Body Safety Story Time reflects Pat’s Places’ commitment to prevention and to empower children with confidence to advocate for themselves while also equipping caregivers with the tools to support them. This program is planting the seeds of awareness, respect and self-advocacy that can last a lifetime.
INTERESTED IN HOSTING A BODY SAFETY STORY TIME? SCAN THE QR CODE
THE NEXT GENERATION OF ADVOCATES
Charlotte’s Next Generation of Advocates
Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center’s new Young Professionals program unites Charlotte’s emerging leaders to advocate for children, engage in hands-on service and support the mission of Pat’s Place
Since its launch in January 2025, the Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center’s Young Professionals (YP) group has grown into a vibrant network of young advocates, ages 21–40, united in their commitment to the mission of Pat’s Place. Over the past year, members have connected through monthly meetings, handson service projects and unique networking opportunities. The YP group has deepened their understanding of child advocacy through educational trainings and lent their time and talent to signature fundraising events.
Additional YP Highlights include:
• Writing hundreds of heartfelt notes to donors.
• Teaming up with the Ronald McDonald House Charities Young Professionals to raise funds and awareness for both organizations, bringing an unmatched energy of collaboration and advocacy.
• Participating in Stewards of Children training, gaining practical strategies for recognizing and preventing child abuse. The session encouraged meaningful discussions about the importance of this work, and the role individuals can play in creating safer communities.
As the year comes to an end, the YP group will continue to build momentum, fostering both advocacy and camaraderie among Charlotte’s
next generation of leaders. Together, YP members are building relationships and driving positive change for children and families across Charlotte.
INTERESTED IN JOINING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS? SCAN THE QR CODE
WHAT’S YOUR WHY
A storytelling campaign that highlights the heart and purpose behind Pat’s Place
This year, Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center launched What’s Your Why?, a storytelling campaign designed to highlight the heart behind the organization’s mission. The campaign began with three powerful stories: an employee,
a community partner and a supporter, each sharing why they chose to stand with Pat’s Place. Their reasons were as diverse as their roles, but all pointed back to the same truth: every child deserves safety, healing and hope.
From there, the campaign grew. Through a series of videos, Pat’s Place staff members opened up about why they do this work, what drives them every day and what our community would lose if Pat’s Place didn’t exist. Their words offered a rare glimpse behind the scenes, reminding us that the team’s dedication goes far beyond a job description.
By sharing these stories, it invited the community to pause and reflect on their own “why.” Why support Pat’s Place? Why advocate for children? Why stand together against abuse? The answers may differ, but collectively they build the foundation that allows Pat’s Place to continue this vital work.
What’s Your Why? was more than a campaign—it was a call to connection. And thanks to the voices who shared their stories, the community is reminded that behind every service, every program and every child who walks through the doors of Pat’s Place, there are people committed to making sure no child faces abuse alone.
from top to bottom: Anie Reyes, Andrea Bartoli, Mary Katherine Elkins, Jacie Santiago, and Elisia McKnight
Pictured,
JOE + CHRISTINA HIGGINS, PAT’S PLACE SUPPORTERS
DETECTIVE WADE, HUNTERSVILLE PD
TO VIEW WHAT’S YOUR WHY VIDEOS, SCAN THE QR CODES.
Instagram Vimeo
KELLY NAVARRO, PAT’S PLACE STAFF MEMBER
QPR: QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER
Pat’s Place hosts QPR Suicide Prevention Training to equip staff and community members to recognize warning signs and save lives
In March, Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center hosted QPR Suicide Prevention Training at our location on East Boulevard, bringing together staff to learn lifesaving skills for supporting individuals in crisis.
WHAT IS QPR?
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer. Much like CPR equips bystanders to help in a medical emergency, QPR empowers people to recognize the warning signs of suicide, ask direct questions, and connect individuals with professional help.
During the two-hour session, participants learned how to:
• Recognize signs and clues that someone may be considering sui-
cide
• Ask the right questions with empathy and clarity
• Delay harmful action by offering hope and support
• Refer the person to appropriate resources and assistance
WHY IT MATTERS
Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States, but it is preventable when people know how to respond. This training provided valuable skills for professionals working with clients or patients, as well as for anyone who might encounter someone experiencing suicidal thoughts—friends, family members, or community members.
The session was an important step
in ensuring our team is better prepared to recognize warning signs and take action to help save lives.
We are pleased to now offer this training as a free resource to our community.
Prevention Through Partnership
This past year, Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center partnered with Anuvia Recovery Services to help kids and families better understand the connection between trauma and substance use. With generous funding from the Mecklenburg County ABC Board, this partnership focused on giving teens the tools to make healthier choices and helping local therapists feel more confident in talking with kids about substance use.
The group added new content to Pat’s Place’s Youth Empowerment & Support (YES!) program specifically designed for teens who have experienced trauma. What started as a one-time lesson became a twopart series after positive feedback
from the teens themselves. Anuvia’s team led open, honest conversations about how using drugs or alcohol can be harmful especially for those dealing with tough emotions or past abuse. Teens shared that they learned a lot and felt more prepared to make safe choices and handle peer pressure.
This work also extended to the CHAT Collaborative, a network of nearly 140 trauma-trained therapists across Mecklenburg County. Anuvia hosted a three-part training series to help therapists spot early warning signs of substance use, talk about it with youth and families and connect them to the right support. Seventeen local therapists participated, equipped with new tools and
confidence to use in their practice.
This partnership laid the groundwork for a more informed and supportive approach to youth substance use prevention in the community. Thanks to the support of the Mecklenburg County ABC Board, the initiative helped educate teens, strengthen therapists’ skills, and take a big step toward keeping kids safer and healthier.
At Pat’s Place, we know that addressing the root causes of risky behavior—like trauma—is the best way to create lasting change. Pat’s Place is proud of the impact this collaboration has had and is committed to building on this success in the years to come.
A Year of Partnership Between Pat’s Place and Anuvia
Hands, Hearts, and Hope: Gray’s Nationwide Impact
From financial giving to hands-on service, Gray strengthens Children’s Advocacy Centers in 13 communities across the U.S.
Founded by James Norris and Lois Howard Gray in 1960, Gray is a familyowned, fully integrated industrial design-builder specializing in engineer-
ing, architecture, construction, automation, specialty equipment manufacturing, and real estate services. Since 2022, Gray has partnered with Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center and 12 additional Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) across the United States, making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families impacted by abuse.
Over the course of a three-year partnership, Gray employees have gone beyond financial giving to contribute their time, skills and creativity in meaningful ways. Teams have
painted walls, created murals, and landscaped outdoor areas to create welcoming, child-friendly spaces. Across the 13 communities, they hosted in-office prevention trainings, organized supply drives and even joined local CAC boards to deepen their engagement.
This partnership has been equally impactful financially. Gray has provided $3.2 million in support, enabling CACs to fund salaries, launch new programs and complete critical facility upgrades, from furniture replacements to building renovations.
At Pat’s Place, Gray’s support has been especially hands-on. Employees refurbished outdoor furniture, organized supply drives and sponsored special events. In a unique show of creativity and camaraderie,
Gray hosted a “beard shaving” fundraiser for two consecutive years, raising more than $4,000 for the Pat’s Place while bringing employees together for a good cause.
From Charlotte to Phoenix, Gray’s influence is visible in enhanced facilities, stronger programs and more robust resources for children in need. Their commitment reflects a true philanthropic spirit, combining financial generosity with dedicated volunteerism to strengthen communities nationwide.
While the initial partnership was set for three years, Gray’s continued involvement promises to build on this momentum, ensuring more children and families receive the care and protection they deserve.
Participating Children’s Advocacy Centers Include: Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass (KY) • Family and Children’s Place CAC (KY) • Corner House (MN) • Midwest Children’s Resource Center (MN) • Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center (OH) • Georgia Center for Child Advocacy (GA) • Waymakers (CA) • Prescott House CAC (AL) • Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis (MO) • Will County CAC (IL) • Mosaic Georgia (GA) • Childhelp Children’s Center of Arizona (AZ)
The Umbrella Center: A New Era for Survivor Support
Construction begins on The Umbrella Center, a collaborative, traumainformed home where survivors of violence and abuse will access care and support under one roof
This summer marks a historic milestone for Mecklenburg County: construction is officially underway on The Umbrella Center, a collaborative space where survivors of violence and abuse can find the support they need under one roof.
For too long, children and families have had to navigate multiple agencies and appointments, often retelling their story again and again. The Umbrella Center will change that reality by bringing community partners together in one safe, trauma-informed environment.
As the region’s only accredited Children’s Advocacy Center, Pat’s Place is honored to be a founding partner in this groundbreaking project. Pat’s place is committed to ensuring that child survivors and their families have a voice in the design of this center and that their healing journey begins in a space built for dignity and safety.
Andrew Oliver, CEO of Pat’s Place, shared: “At Pat’s Place, we know how critical it is to meet children and families with care the moment they walk through our doors. The Umbrella Center represents an incredible opportunity to expand that promise—not only for children, but for all survivors. This will be a place where every story is heard, every need is addressed and every step forward is taken together.”
When The Umbrella Center opens in 2026, survivors will be able to access child advocacy and forensic services, domestic and sexual violence advocacy, medical care, legal support and more—all coordinated in one space.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Oliver added. “Years from now, we’ll look back and say this was the moment Mecklenburg County changed how it responds to survivors. Pat’s Place is proud to stand at the center of that change.”
How you can help:
• Stay informed by following Pat’s Place updates.
• Support the vision through donations and partnerships.
• Share this message so the community knows that hope and healing are on the way—together, under one roof.
WRITING ON THE WALLS
In May, Pat’s Place staff, board, donors, supporters and law enforcement partners had the opportunity to visit 4822 Albemarle Road to tour the new spot before construction begins next month. Together, the team walked the space and tried to imagine the transformation that’s set to occur during the construction phase. The Pat’s Place team was given the opportunity to sign the walls, leaving messages of hope and inspiration on the bones of the building.
save the date
rhythm & Brews
march 7, 2026 | old town event center
A great way to celebrate with friends up at the Lake! Guests en joy a casual fun-filled evening with delicious food, local craft brews and lively music with 250+ friends and supporters of Pat’s Place.
Special thanks to all 2025 Rhythm & Brews supporters for their generosity!
everyday heroes april 28, 2026 | the revelry at camp north end
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 2025 Everyday Heroes sponsors for their generosity!
Elite Sponsor: First Horizon
bbq & Blue Jeans
September 2026
The signature fundraising event for Pat’s Place where guests enjoy a casual evening enjoying Midwood Smokehouse BBQ, cold beer and w ine, and lively music in an outdoor setting with 250+ of Pat’s Place’s closest friends.
Special thanks to all 2024 bbq & Blue jeans sponsors for their generosity!
2024 Champion Sponsors: Coca Cola Consolidated, Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and Parker and Stephen Shuford
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
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 $1,178,191 to support children who have experienced abuse in our community.
To see the full list of 2025 Circle of Friends members, scan the QR code.
Pat’s Place Board of Directors
Laura Fahrney, Ridgemont Equity Partners
Chair
Pearlynn Houck, Atlantic Coast Conference
Vice Chair
Crystal Utley, Bespoke Capital Consulting
Secretary
Chris Williams, First Horizon Bank
Treasurer
Astrid Chirinos, YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Katrina Collins, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation
Ashley Hardee, Wells Fargo
Maggie Keeve, Bank of America
Dr. Jacqueline McKnight, Community Volunteer
Pia Millican, PIA International
Dr. Stacy Nicholson, Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital
Dr. Cotrane Penn, Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services
Nicole Six, Carolina Complete Health
Chris Socha, Edifice
Dr. Erin Trakas, Novant Health
Angie Zimmern, McGuireWoods
Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center 901 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203
Survivor Resource Center 601 E. 5th street Charlotte, NC 28202
The Healing Center at Pat's Place 1201 Wood Ridge Center Dr ste 170, Charlotte, NC 28217
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
HOST A TRAINING
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. Pat’s Place offers a variety of trainings to prepare for this responsibility, including:
Protecting Children Virtual Training
Discovering Pat’s Place
Child Abuse and Response
Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® (SOC)
Human Trafficking
Trauma-Informed Care
Online Safety
Talking to Children About Body Safety and Sexual Abuse
Trauma-Informed Organizations
QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer
SPONSOR AN EVENT
Scan the QR code to see all training offerings
With three signature annual fundraisers – Rhythm & Brews, Everyday Heroes Philanthropy Luncheon, and BBQ & Blue Jeans – there’s sure to be an event worth supporting. With your sponsorship, you’ll gain access to the event along with other 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, turn to page 10 or scan the QR code
JOIN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
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.
Scan the QR code to join Young Professionals
BECOME AN IMPACT PARTNER
Impact Partners are donors who have made the switch from a one-time gift to a recurring monthly gift. Monthly giving guarantees our ongoing efforts to ensure every child and family that comes to Pat’s Place gets the help they deserve. Whether it’s $5 or $100, your sustained giving provides you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children in our community. Email elisia@patsplacecac.org to learn more.
Scan the QR code to become an Impact Partner
ORGANIZE A SNACK OR TOY DRIVE
Every child who visits Pat’s Place for services receives snacks and drinks during their visit and a toy in exchange for their bravery. With more than 1,000 children visiting Pat’s Place each year, in-kind donations of snacks, drinks and toys are always appreciated. These donations help the Pat’s Place team direct financial resources to where they are most needed.
Scan the QR code to view our supply drive guidelines
MAKE A ONE-TIME GIFT
There are many meaningful ways to support Pat’s Place. The truth is, financial gifts provide the greatest flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the children and families Pat’s Place serves. Your contribution allows Pat’s Place to deliver comprehensive services and strengthen our capacity to protect and care for those who need it most.
We invite you to consider making a gift to ensure that this vital work continues.
