Children's Advocacy Center Celebrates Open House

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, along with community leaders, advocates, law enforcement, and supporters, celebrated the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County at an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Boswell Street facility.

 

CAC Board President Kyle Christopher explained that the center’s mission is to “empower, protect, and heal victims of child abuse.” This mission has guided the organization since it opened in 2018.

 

“Unfortunately, the need is there, so we’ve got to be there to meet it,” Christopher said. “Before a CAC like ours existed, a child would have to tell their story multiple times over and over again. Our model is to bring everything to that child: one center, one room, one interview.”

 

Christopher said the center served 216 children in the area last year. This included 165 forensic interviews, 25 medical exams, 180 mental health sessions, and over 5,000 advocacy interactions for children and families in the community.

 

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County offers free, trauma-informed services to children and families in Independence, Izard, Fulton, Sharp, and Stone counties. These services include forensic interviews, medical exams, advocacy support, therapy, and community education.

 

Christopher also pointed out the financial need to keep these services going, noting that care costs about $2,500 per child on average.

 

“With state and federal funding being cut in many ways, we really turn to our community for support,” Christopher said. “Our community has shown up time and time again.”

He thanked major community sponsors like Bad Boy Mowers, Atlas Asphalt, and White River Materials for their ongoing support in protecting local children and helping provide healing services.

 

Investigator Brenda Bittle, who has worked in law enforcement in Independence County for 36 years, spoke with emotion about how the center has helped children, families, and investigators.

 

“The Children’s Advocacy Center provides a safe, supportive, and child-focused environment for children who have experienced abuse,” Bittle said. “The work they do is heavy. It can be emotional and overwhelming, but having a team like this, people who are dedicated and deeply compassionate, has taken such a weight off my shoulders.”

 

Bittle said that 31 of the CAC’s cases last year were investigations she personally handled. She praised the organization’s professionalism, advocacy, and commitment to helping children start the healing process.

 

“Thank you for being a voice for children who may not feel like they have one,” Bittle said. “Every interview, every advocate, every staff member plays a critical role.”

 

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, recognizing the organization’s ongoing commitment to protecting children and supporting families in the region. Executive Director Rhonda Woods was also honored for her leadership and dedication to the center’s mission.

 

The ribbon cutting took place alongside CAC’s Open Hearts, Open House community relaunch and the announcement of the center’s Five-Year Pinwheel Sponsor Program and Room Sponsorship opportunities. The CAC continues to meet national standards of excellence in children’s advocacy, showing its dedication to providing high-quality, trauma-informed care for children and families in the region.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All services are free for children and families.

 

Community members who want to support the center through donations, volunteering, sponsorships, or monthly giving through the Protector’s Circle can learn more at cacindependence.org or by calling (870) 569-8099.

 

Ambassadors in attendance include: Abigial Ballard (Lifeplus), Brandi Curbo (Batesville Guard), Brandon Lackey (Southern Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Crystal Kimmer (White River Health), Eva Henriksen (Citizens Bank), Jackson Fikes (Family Violence Prevention), Lori Campbell (Batesville Schools), Michael Dickinson (City of Batesville), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Nathan Dowen (Citizens Bank), Robert Stephens (Network of Community Options), Sarah York (Southern Bank), and Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank).