Troy, Brundidge and Pike County officials shared a joint proclamation in support of the work done by Pike Regional Advocacy Center.
Troy Mayor Jason Reeves read the proclamation to an audience of supporters at a ceremony held Tuesday afternoon. The ceremony is part of the center’s celebration of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The proclamation said people find themselves mistreating children when they don’t have the resources or know how to cope. It also said that the community, as a whole, had a responsibility to help.
“As Rev. (Daryl) Caldwell said, we’re going to be held to account for what we do for the weakest in society,” Reeves said.
Veronica Kidd shared a personal testimony to give a voice to the victims the center helps. The 18-year-old was abused when she was 3 years old.
“When I lived with my mom, they found out that I was being severely abused by my stepfather and my mother wasn’t doing anything about it,” she said. “I plan to help other kids just like Child Advocacy did for me.”
The center helps about 300 Pike County children a year. In addition to abused children, the center has a “good touches and bad touches” program taught to kids throughout the county.
Crys Fuller, a member of the CAC’s board, shared a proclamation from Sen. Jimmy Holley. The senator planned to attend the event, but had to cancel because of a meeting.
Troy University’s Kappa Delta sorority regularly volunteers and fund-raises for the center. Members of the sorority presented a check to the center for $20,930 from their annual Shamrock Color Me Katie 5k Run.
“The most rewarding part has been organizing the run and being able to raise $20,000,” said Morgan Stokes, vice president of community service for Kappa Delta. “It’s been a lot of work, but seeing how the City of Troy and the university responds to kids and helps has been very rewarding.”
Executive Director Camille Downing said she was overwhelmed and at a loss for words by the donation.
“I’m extremely happy. The money will stay right here in Pike County and be used for daily operations and services and for forensic interviews,” she said.
To show support of their efforts, Downing recommended displaying the blue ribbons and t-shirts they have on sale at their 118, West Orange Street office. For more information, visit www.pikeregionalcac.com.