Doing Good - Children's Safety Center
By: Jonathan Martinez
Updated: February 4, 2013
Showing off the handprints on the walls of the Children's Safety Center has a strong meaning for those with the nonprofit.
Each one represents one of the nearly 6,000 children who they've helped.
Casey Springer, the center's Program Director said, "Sometimes they say ask can I put it in your room, or in your office and we're like yes. It's like our favorite thing to put it in there so we always remember those.
The center opened back in 1997 with one goal in mind, to help children who were physically and sexually abused.
"The Child Safety Center is a child friendly environment where a child can come and tell the worst story," said Emily Rappe, the Development Director.
The facility works together with local law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates and medical examiners to offer abused children what the need in the healing process.
Springer said, "It's really powerful for them to come and know that they are not the only ones this has happened to."
In 2012 the center saw nearly 600 children and in January of this year have already seen almost 40 children.
While the numbers are staggering, those with the non-profit say they are thankful to be there for the children.
Rappe said, We are there tell let them know they're okay and we are their voice."
"Just being able to see the kids start the healing process is such a magical thing," said Springer.
