New Hope Is One with Courage
New Hope – Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center is the local center for One with Courage, a national initiative centered around the courage it takes to talk about child sexual abuse and the unique role children’s advocacy centers play in providing comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to child victims of abuse.
Board Member Spotlight – Natasha Wellington Leads Holiday Events to Support New Hope
Natasha Wellington, a New Hope – Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center board member, recently hosted a holiday beauty event for 20 attendees that raised $300 for New Hope as well as priceless awareness for the Center and the free services it provides to Blount County children who have been sexually and/or physically abused. Attendees at the beauty event included ladies from Tusculum College, Middlesettlements Methodist Church, DENSO, and the Hilton in Alcoa.
Natasha’s holiday fundraising efforts didn’t stop with Mary Kay beauty products. She took her efforts of hope to work at DENSO, where her motto during the New Hope campaign was “go BIG or go HOME.” With nearly 800 DENSO employees giving money or contributing items to the center’s wish list, it is clear Natasha’s co-workers decided to go BIG – REALLY BIG. One DENSO employee is supplying clothing for a Blount County child for one year.
In addition, several of Natasha’s co-workers plan volunteer at the center next year and are taking information about New Hope and its Stewards of Children child abuse prevention program to their churches and community organizations. A BIG Thank you goes to Natasha and everyone who participated in and supported her holiday of hope initiatives.
Letter to Editor Focuses on Child Abuse Prevention
The Daily Times recently published a letter to the editor written by Becky Rials, president of New Hope’s board of directors. In the letter, Becky brings attention to the reports of child abuse allegations at Penn State and encourages the adults in Blount County to step up and protect the children in the community.
The first step, according to Becky and other board members, is prevention with Stewards of Children, an evidence-based program offered by New Hope. For more information about Stewards of Children and how to fight child abuse in Blount County, contact the advocacy center at 981-2000.
New Hope Featured in East TN Foundation Newsletter
In 2011, the East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) celebrated 25 years of thoughtful giving. To mark the milestone, the Foundation awarded 25 $2,500 grants to non-profit organizations in each of the counties served by ETF. New Hope was the recipient of the Blount County grant and was featured in the December 2011 ETF newsletter.
Dr. Shults Receives Spirit of New Hope Award
Dr. Stephanie Shults, an area pediatrician, was presented with the first Spirit of New Hope Award at Black Tie Blue Jeans on Nov. 19, 2011. Dr. Sults exemplifies the heart and spirit of New Hope by selflessly donating her time and medical services to the children served by the center. Her actions and stewardship strengthen the Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center and its mission.
Kathryn O’Day Visits New Hope
Kathryn O’Day, Tennessee Department of Children’s Services commissioner, visited New Hope – Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center on Wednesday, Oct. 5 to find out what the department can do better. Gov. Bill Haslam appointed O’Day to the position in January. O’Day has been touring the state and gathering input from centers like New Hope. Click here to read more about O’Day’s visit.
New Hope To Awaken The Nation
On Wednesday, Aug. 17 New Hope led Blount County in a community-wide pledge signing to awaken the nation and help ensure every child in is given an opportunity for healthy growth and development. Leaders from local law enforcement, schools and businesses signed the pledge at the Center and joined a national movement started by Prevent Child Abuse America.
New Hope Earns National Accreditation
New Hope – Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center earned reaccreditation by the National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and site review process. The Center earned its first accreditation in May 2006.
As the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, the National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient, and put the needs of the child abuse victims first. Accreditation is the highest level of membership with the National Children’s Alliance based on 10 national standards of excellence.
State Senator Doug Overbey Receives Bud Cramer Award
The National Children’s Alliance recently presented five awards to outstanding leaders and supporters of the Children’s Advocacy Center Movement who demonstrate a passion for this important cause through professional, volunteer, personal and/or advocacy related support.
State Sen. Doug Overbey received the Bud Cramer Award, which recognizes an individual who demonstrates commitment and dedication to children through extraordinary promotion of the Children’s Advocacy Center model.
Shirley Huskey Presented with First Nediva Award
On June 14, New Hope named Shirley Huskey as the recipient of the inaugural 2011 Nediva Award. The Nediva Award is given to a volunteer who makes a passionate commitment and invaluable contribution to the Center’s mission. Shirley has been a dedicated New Hope volunteer for six years.
*************
New Hope Newsletter – Summer 2011
In an effort to be green and better stewards of our donated dollars, we no longer print and mail our annual report or newsletters.
To receive our publications electronically, please provide your e-mail address to sandig@blountkids.org with “DATABASE UPDATE” in the subject line. If you cannot view publications electronically, contact us.
- Also, be sure to follow us on FACEBOOK for the latest news.