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Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: Cyndi Russell, Missy Tackett and Nancy Green were among the community members who turned out in support of the annual Campbell County Children’s Center luncheon on Tuesday.
By Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The community came together in support of the Campbell County Children’s Center on Tuesday for its annual Child Abuse Awareness Luncheon.
The well attended event was held at the LaFollette Church of God. Community business leaders, county and city elected officials, law enforcement members and individuals came out to support Campbell County’s children.
The theme of the luncheon was “Paint the Town Blue” in honor of Child Abuse Awareness month. It was the first time in two years the luncheon was held in person due to the pandemic.
The event began with opening remarks from Children’s Center Board Chairman Sandra Fuller, who thanked the community for its support. She also paid recognition to Tracie Davis and the the Children’s Center staff who “worked diligently through the perils of the pandemic and for all they do for the children of the county.
Kevin McNeil guest spoke at the event. McNeil is a Special Victims Detective, author, educator and motivational speaker who had a powerful testimony.
His message was how his own experiences as a victim of abuse led him to become a Special Victims Unit Detective, motivational speaker and more. He spoke on the importance of “giving a voice to child victims” and “putting the power back in their corner.’
“Child advocacy centers put power back into children that feel powerless, that’s why we have to passionately support children’s centers ” McNeil said.
He told everyone in the room they were “changing families and changing lives” by supporting the Campbell County Children’s Center.
Eighth Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler recognized special guests in the room for making the event possible including businesses, individuals and organizations who sponsored the event. He also recognized law enforcement, Department of Children’s Services, district attorney office staff, county leaders, the child protective investigation team, social services among others for the role they play in supporting the children of Campbell County.
Effler also recognized “very special guests” Children’s Center founders Mike and Shirley Roger’s and retired District Attorney Paul Phillips who were in attendance.
“Without them, we would not be here today, we would not have a children’s center,” Effler said.
Children’s Center CEO Tracie Davis said she was thrilled to have the support of the county.
“The communities we serve are incredible! We are humbled today by the outpouring of love and support for our child abuse awareness luncheon. Continue to paint the town blue,” Davis said.
The Campbell County Children’s Center also asks that those who wish to help, check Facebook for the Children’s Center’s “wish list” which will have items posted that the center may need to help with children transitioning homes and custody such as new clothing, hygiene items and more. According to Davis, there is currently a need for “diapers, wipes, all things baby, as well as hygiene products.”
The Campbell County Children’s Center is a child advocacy center that was founded in 2001 to provide a safe haven for sexually and physically abused children. Instead of being interviewed countless times at different locations, a child can tell their story to one caring and specially trained professional in a child-friendly environment where the child knows he or she will be safe. The Children Center’s main office is in Campbell County with satellite offices in Claiborne and Union counties.
For more information, visit the Children’s Center website or Facebook @CampbellCountyChildrensCenter. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/20/2022-6AM)