Child Advocacy Center closer to $8M fundraising goal

The Child Advocacy Center announced today that it’s reached a critical milestone in a capital campaign to raise $8 million to expand its facility and services.

The center recently added more than $1 million – crossing the $7 million mark – after donations from Jon and Kathy Risdal, Three Stone Homes and the Darr Family Foundation were secured.

“This project has never been about just a new building. It is about making sure no child waits for help, and every child has the opportunity to heal,” said Katiina Dull, executive director of the Child Advocacy Center, in a news release. “We are deeply humbled by the extraordinary community response and are profoundly grateful for the commitment that is turning this vision into reality.”

The exact amount of each recent donation was not disclosed.

The center, which has been located on Walnut Street for nearly three decades, announced plans last year to move to a building in the 17,000-square-foot Elfindale Center on West Sunshine Street and possibly build a 5,000-square-foot addition.

In addition to the fundraising goal, the center announced the acquisition of a second 7,200-square-foot property near its new home. The added space will be dedicated to providing mental health services, officials said.

The center serves 14 counties and works closely with law enforcement, juvenile officers and prosecuting attorneys.

“This opportunity allows us to expand our vision in ways that better support healing and growth for the children we serve,” Dull said in the release. “It reduces overall costs and allows us to create a dedicated mental health space with intentional, therapeutic green spaces for children and families.”