Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center receives notice of more than $80,000 from the state for operations of their program. Pictured are Margot Kubichek, advocacy and prevention coordinator and interim executive director and Elizabeth King, CAC Coordinator who coordinates forensic interviews.
By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin announced Thursday that he has awarded more than $1.6 million to Child Advocacy Centers through the CAC Grant Program Funding to 21 projects across West Virginia, including the Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center. The funds were given to local non-profit Child Advocacy Centers to support their work in the fight against child abuse and neglect.
Locally, the Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center received $80,970 in funds to be used for a staff person, to provide training opportunities to the multidisciplinary team and for other staff members, strengthening the overall program at the RTCAC.
“West Virginia’s Child Advocacy Centers fill a critical need for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. These centers are safe havens where children can access the array of services they need and deserve to begin to heal,” Tomblin said. “This funding will allow centers across the state to continue serving the children who need them most.”
RTCAC interim director Margot Kubichek said she is ecstatic the center received the grant.
“We were concerned that there would be cuts to the grant, but that was not the case this year,” Kubichek said. “We are pretty steady with clients in our Tucker County office, averaging two to three clients a month. We also have ongoing advocacy with current clients.”
Funds are allocated by the West Virginia Legislature and administered by the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services.
The Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center is dedicated to helping children heal from abuse and violence. They promote a coordinated response that is compassionate, efficient and puts children’s needs first. The RTCAC team members collaborate on strategies that will aid investigators and prosecutors without causing further harm to children who have been victimized.
The grant does not completely fund all of the activities of the Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center. The RTCAC has a 2016 Run for It team and support can be given to this team by sponsoring Citizens Bank of WV (for RTCAC). Information is available at www.tuckerfoundation.net/run. or at www.racerostercom/8610. Another fundraising opportunity for the RTCAC is the 10th Annual Poker Run for Kids slated for 9 a.m. Aug. 27. This event begins at the Montrose Community Building. Registration for the Poker Run is available at 304-630-2214 or online at http://2016pokerrunforkids.eventbrite.com.
“We had almost the biggest Run for It team last year, and we want to have the biggest team this year,” Kubichek said. “That is our goal so we can raise money for the program.”
Additional information about the Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center is available by calling 304-630-2214 or online at www.rtcac.org.
