WCCAC Executive Director

A Word From Our Executive Director . . .

Little did I know in November, 2005, when I took the reins of Executive Director of the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center, how much my life would be enriched.  The difference that our services make in the lives of the children and teenagers coming through our red door(s), is immeasurable.  In 2005 we interviewed 351children and teenagers.  That number rose to 510 in 2006, and is on pace to exceed 630 in 2007.  We should rejoice in these numbers, because the children and teens needing our services exist throughout Williamson County, and we want to help them all.

The Children’s Advocacy Center offers a “child-friendly” atmosphere where children and teens affected by abuse can reveal what they have endured.  Specially trained forensic interviewers (one is bi-lingual) listen to them and ask questions that are appropriate to their ages, cultural, and linguistic abilities.  Children and teens have the opportunity to feel comfortable and safe, and know that an adult will listen to what they have to say.  In October 2007 we moved from our quaint 1300 sq ft home at 406 West University (Georgetown) to our beautiful 7500 sq ft Center at 1811 SE Inner Loop (Georgetown).  We literally closed one red door and opened two.

The Center works with prosecutors, law enforcement, and Child Protective Services to provide a safe, comforting environment to conduct interviews with abused children as a means of collecting evidence for criminal cases.  Consider the alternatives:  a noisy and busy law enforcement center with personnel carrying guns and wearing badges, or the home where the abuse takes place, or the school where friends and teachers may find out.  Which environment would you recommend?  The Children’s Advocacy Center serves a very special need for the abused and neglected children in Williamson County.

The new Center has provided additional space to expand forensic interviews (we grew from one interview room to three, with one being designed specifically for teenagers).  In July 2007 we hired a full-time Child and Family Therapist (thanks to United Way of Williamson County), and will do both On-Site Counseling and provide referrals to pre-approved Network Counselors.  In the Spring, 2008, we will open our On-Site Medical Facility, offering forensic medical exams to abused children (at the request of law enforcement).  These additions are huge, and are possible through generous donors who provided both financial and in-kind donations during our Capital Campaign.

I continue to be honored and humbled to be leading and directing a special staff of trained professionals within the Center.  I have the privilege of working with a dedicated and talented Board of Directors, headed by the President of the Board, District Attorney John Bradley.

My staff and I are available to provide community awareness and educational presentations to civic and church clubs or groups, government and business associations, and school districts.  I have talked to a number of groups over the past two years, but please invite me back to update you on our new "home".  Please click here to contact us.

Click on “Wish List” to see how you can help.  Together we can make a difference in the lives of abused children and teens in Williamson County