Collier Children’s Advocacy Center receives $20,000 grant from the Women’s Giving Circle of Southwest Florida

The Collier Children’s Advocacy Center (Collier CAC) received a $20,000 grant from the Women’s Giving Circle of Southwest Florida, an all-volunteer organization and fund of the Collier Community Foundation, to expand its Enhancing Therapy for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse project, an initiative designed to remove financial and logistical barriers to specialized trauma care.

            The project provides free evidence-based therapy, reliable transportation and emergency gift cards for essential needs, advanced training for Collier CAC therapists, along with therapeutic supplies that help children express themselves through art, play and sensory tools. It is expected to serve at least 275 children and their families this year. This investment from the Women’s Giving Circle reflects a shared commitment to ensuring children in Collier County have access to specialized, trauma-informed care when they need it most.

“Without therapy and support, survivors of childhood sexual abuse are more likely to face depression, addiction, chronic illness and unemployment as adults,” said Jackie Stevens, CEO of Collier CAC. “This grant changes the daily reality for families facing significant challenges. It turns hope into services a child can access today. Collier CAC exists to help them find safety, rebuild trust and begin to heal.”

Collier County’s child abuse rates mirror national trends, yet specialized trauma care is limited. By providing free therapy and support for children and their caregivers, Collier CAC can save families up to $3,400 per case. Demand for these services continues to outpace available funding. The Women’s Giving Circle’s donation ensures Collier CAC can continue to serve children without waitlists or financial barriers.

By removing barriers and providing essential services, Collier CAC not only helps children heal but helps children heal while working to interrupt cycles of abuse, leading to better outcomes in school and long-term stability. Through Collier CAC programs, more than 75% of children show measurable reductions in trauma symptoms and improved resiliency.

To learn more about how to support Collier CAC, visit caccollier.org/ways-to-give.

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.