To help address unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic response, the White-Wilson Community Foundation recently made $1,000 emergency grants available to area non-profits.
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) applied for and received this grant. Funds will be used to address health, wellness and safety needs brought about as a result of the pandemic.
“We appreciate receiving this grant,” commented Julie Porterfield, ECCAC CEO. “Because of the pandemic, we have adopted the philosophy that COVID-19 will not last forever, but child abuse will. We are hard at work providing services and support to children dealing with these circumstances.”
ECCAC provides services in a child-friendly environment to help identify, treat and support children in abusive situations, as well as helping to prevent child abuse through education and prevention programs. With a Center in Okaloosa County and the Pierce Family Center in Walton County, they house representatives from the Florida Department of Children and Families, Child Protection Team, State Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement, licensed mental health counselors, and ECCAC’s staff and volunteers. In ECCAC’s 20-year history, over 15,000 children have received more than 170,000 services at no cost.
For further information about the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, visit www.eccac.org. If abuse is suspected, call the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. # # #
The dental hygienists from Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) recently made a visit to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) in Niceville to donate toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and other children’s dental supplies for ECCAC to put in the backpacks they will be distributing to their children receiving services. Pictured L-R: Kelly Taylor, Christina Peterson and Denise Lisciotti from CVHN; and Jasie Landeros and Angie Harder from ECCAC.
