It’s estimated that half a million children in the United States are a victim of child abuse each year and millions more witness a violent crime. In many cases, these children’s testimony is a crucial component in seeing the offender charged and jailed.
And that’s where child advocacy centers, like Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center in St. Marys, come in.
Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center is a safe place designed for children. Their staff of highly trained professionals interview the child in a child-friendly environment to learn what the child witnessed or experienced.
“As a children’s advocacy center, our organization serves as a safe and child-friendly space for children and families impacted by abuse or trauma,” said Andrea Belton, Program Director. “We provide specialized services, including forensic interviews, victim advocacy, crisis intervention, and multidisciplinary coordination with law enforcement, child protective services, and medical professionals. Our team is trained in trauma-informed care and legal advocacy to ensure that children and families receive compassionate and comprehensive support throughout the investigative and healing process.”
A $2,500 grant from the Southeastern Bank Community Foundation will be used to help train the Safe Harbor’s Camden Center staff and volunteers on how to effectively work with nonverbal children and adults and also to purchase a dual top tablet table and sensory toys for placement in their lobby for children with ADHD, autism, or other sensory issues.
“By investing in specialized training, our forensic interviewers will be uniquely qualified to serve individuals with disabilities who are nonverbal, filling a critical service gap in southeast Georgia,” said Belton. “The specialized FIND training, combined with improvements to our facilities and educational outreach, will allow us to remove barriers, increase access, and ensure that no child or family is left without the support they need.”
Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center serves hundreds of children and families across Southeast Georgia affected by abuse, neglect, and trauma. “Receiving this grant is deeply meaningful to our organization, especially during a time when sustaining our services has become increasingly challenging,” said Belton. “Over the past four years, we have experienced funding cuts year-after-year, which has made it critical for us to seek support outside of traditional state and federal sources due to their volatility. Local funding sources, such as the Southeastern Bank (Community Foundation) grant, have been essential in helping us remain operational and continue serving our community without disruption. This grant will not only help us bridge funding gaps but also allow us to enhance our programs, address service gaps, and remain a vital resource for children and families impacted by abuse and trauma. It represents a lifeline for our agency and an investment in the safety, healing, and empowerment of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
“Safe Harbor does vital work in our community, and we’re proud to support the Camden Center in providing tools and creating a space that help children and adults with sensory and communication challenges,” said Jay Torbert, President and CEO of Southeastern Bank.
About Southeastern Bank Community Foundation, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) organization, Southeastern Bank Community Foundation supports local nonprofits making a difference in the communities served by Southeastern Bank. Employees of the Bank serve on the Foundation Board on a rotational basis and determine how funds are dispersed in its local communities. The Foundation is currently funded with donations from the Bank.
Applications for future grant award cycles are available on the Bank’s website at southeasternbank.com or any Southeastern Bank office.
About Southeastern Bank
Established in 1888, Southeastern Bank has a long history of serving its customers and communities through its 11 locations in coastal Georgia and northeast Florida. The Bank is headquartered in Darien, Georgia. Visit southeasternbank.com to learn more.
About Us: Southeastern Bank, established in 1888, has a long history of serving its customers and communities. From traditional deposit and loan services to long-term mortgage originations and credit cards, Southeastern Bank has the financial products you need most. The Bank has 10 branch locations throughout coastal Georgia and northeast Florida, including Brunswick, Callahan, Darien, Eulonia, Folkston, Hilliard, Kingsland, Nahunta, Richmond Hill and St. Simons Island, and a loan production office in Hinesville.
