The Collier Children’s Advocacy Center (Collier CAC) began working in partnership with the Sexually Abused Children’s Relief Endeavor (SACRED) to expand emergency support for families facing financial crisis in the aftermath of child abuse. The collaboration, established earlier this year, strengthens Collier CAC’s wraparound support and ensures children can remain safely housed while their caregivers navigate the immediate fallout of abuse.

“One of the most common destabilizing factors in abuse cases occurs when the alleged abuser is the primary wage earner. When that separation happens, families often lose the income that keeps them housed and stable,” said Jackie Stephens, CEO of Collier CAC. “SACRED helps us fill that gap by providing short-term financial relief for eligible families so they can prioritize a child’s safety and recovery without falling into homelessness.”

Collier CAC’s partnership with SACRED has already prevented a local mother and her two young daughters from losing their home after escaping unsafe circumstances. SACRED covered rent while Collier CAC connected the mother to local resources, food assistance and children’s programs. More than $4,500 in coordinated short-term support stabilized the family as the case moved forward.

“This partnership demonstrates exactly what immediate and effective care looks like,” said Stephens. “SACRED can help us respond quickly with emergency financial support, and our team can then provide therapeutic, medical and advocacy services. Together, we can prevent crises from escalating and help families move forward with dignity and safety.”

SACRED’s mission is to help families of sexually abused children heal without the added fear of financial crisis. The organization provides direct assistance for housing, transportation, utilities, and other basic needs so families can focus on recovery and participate in the investigative process. Because SACRED distributes assistance only through children’s advocacy centers, it serves as a financial stabilization partner to CACs nationwide and supports the comprehensive, trauma-informed care model CACs follow.

The partnership will continue providing emergency financial assistance and coordinated case support for local families whose housing or basic needs are jeopardized due to separation from an alleged offender.

For more information on SACRED’s support model, visit kidsaresacred.org. Information about Collier CAC’s services and mission can be found at caccollier.org.

About the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County 

The Collier Children’s Advocacy Center is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the first point of care for children in Collier County when abuse is suspected. Since 1986, Collier CAC has provided forensic interviews, medical evaluations, therapy, family advocacy and parent education in one child-centered setting, reducing what could be up to six separate agency visits to a single coordinated response.

Collier CAC is the only organization in Collier County legally authorized to perform forensic medical exams for children under 12 and to deliver medical, court advocacy and therapeutic services under one roof. All services are provided free of charge, removing financial barriers so families can access support regardless of circumstance.

While the organization partners closely with the Department of Children and Families, law enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office and Collier County Public Schools, it is not a government agency. Collier CAC relies on community support to sustain and expand its work, as abuse occurs in every zip code.

To learn more about how Collier CAC is committed to helping children find safety, healing and hope, visit caccollier.org.