The Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center hosted Open House at its facility on Orange Street in Troy Tuesday in recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Pike County city and county officials signed a proclamation declaring the month of April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Troy and Pike County.

Camille Downing, Pike Regional CAC executive director, said local support of the CAC has been outstanding and the influence and impact that support has on the lives of children is immeasurable.

“What we are able to do to help prevent child abuse and assist victims of child abuse and the families that are adversely affected depends greatly on the local support we receive,” Downing said. “We cannot adequately thank our staff, our volunteers and all who support the CAC in so many different ways. However, today we want to say ‘thank you’ and let our supporters know they are making a positive difference in the lives of children by raising awareness of child abuse and supporting programs to assist children who are victims.”

Dr. Mark Bazzell, chair of the Pike Regional CAC board of directors, expressed appreciation to all those who commit their time and efforts to the prevention of child abuse and to serving those who are victims.

“The community support of the Pike Regional CAC and its mission has been tremendous,” Bazzell said. “That support helps the CAC stay on sound footing and to continue to provide support and services for the kids. We appreciate the fine work that Camille Downing and her staff do. We thank all of those who volunteer at the CAC and those who give their support in the many different ways.”

Scherryl Harrison, founding board member, said the Pike Regional CAC began with a task force in 1986/87 and found a permanent home on Orange Street in 2004.

“The CAC has always had strong support from our elected officials and from the community at large,” she said. “Because of that support, the CAC has been able to assist children who are victims of abuse and their families and to be an advocate for the prevention of child abuse.”

The Kappa Delta Sorority at Troy University was recognized for its dedication to making sure that all children have happy and meaningful childhoods.

The sorority recently donated $41,000 to the Pike Regional CAC in support of the CAC’s programs and services.

Downing expressed appreciation to all supporters of Pike Regional CAC who are advocating for happy childhoods for all children through their support of the CAC and National Child Abuse Awareness Month.