The Collier Children’s Advocacy Center (Collier CAC) received a $7,885 grant from the Naples Woman’s Club to support its trauma-informed therapy services for children who have experienced abuse. The program provides free evidence-based art therapy in a safe, developmentally appropriate way for children to express emotions, process trauma and rebuild a sense of safety and control when words are difficult or retraumatizing.

“Therapy benefits children by reducing trauma symptoms and strengthening recovery,” said Jackie Stevens, CEO of Collier CAC. “By helping children process trauma early, the program supports healthier development, stronger family stability and improved long-term outcomes.”

Collier CAC offers therapy at no cost to families, ensuring every child has access to healing support regardless of financial circumstances. The grant will fund therapeutic art supplies, sensory tools and expressive media used by licensed therapists in individual and group sessions. The center provides care to hundreds of children and families annually, including therapy services for over 270 children and caregivers impacted by abuse.

“Every child deserves a safe place to be heard, supported and begin to heal,” said Carolyn Kovach, president of the Naples Woman’s Club. “We are proud to support the Collier Children’s Advocacy Center’s therapy program, an essential approach that helps children process trauma and move forward with strength and hope. This grant reflects our commitment to ensuring Collier County’s most vulnerable children receive the specialized care they need, at no cost to their families.”

Using art complements Collier CAC’s multidisciplinary child-centered model, which also includes forensic, advocacy and counseling services. The program improves emotional expression, strengthens coping skills and supports resilience in children recovering from abuse. Caregivers report increased feelings of safety and well-being following CAC services, and trauma-informed therapy reduces long-term risks such as depression, addiction and poverty.

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