[Tupelo, Mississippi] — Easterseals Mississippi is proud to announce the grand opening of its first Children’s Advocacy Center, introducing a safe and supportive environment dedicated to serving children and families impacted by abuse.  

Located in a child-friendly and safe environment, the Easterseals Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center is designed to put the needs of the child first, offering them a place where their voices can be heard, and healing can begin. The Easterseals Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center operates with a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with law enforcement, child protective services, district attorneys, mental health therapists, forensic medical personnel, and other essential agencies involved in child abuse investigations. This model ensures a holistic, coordinated response, helping to reduce trauma and improve outcomes for children and families.

“We are incredibly proud of the important work Easterseals Mississippi is doing by providing a critical resource for children and families in need of safety, support, and healing,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “At The Fedcap Group, we believe in creating pathways to resilience and recovery, and this center represents a powerful commitment to protecting and uplifting the most vulnerable members of our community.” 

As a nationally accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance and an associate member of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, Easterseals Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center upholds the highest standards in advocacy, support, and service. In addition to direct services, the center actively promotes community awareness and child abuse prevention efforts, encouraging the public to participate in safeguarding children’s rights and protection.

“Easterseals Mississippi is honored to be part of a collaborative community network that prioritizes the safety, advocacy, and well-being of children,” said Sara Kitchens Director, Children’s Advocacy Center of Easterseals Mississippi. “The Children’s Advocacy Center represents our commitment to supporting children in crisis, empowering families, and working alongside our community partners to bring hope and healing.”

The grand opening celebration to be held on November 7, 2024 will offer the community a closer look at the Children’s Advocacy Center’s work and showcase the vital role Easterseals Mississippi plays in child advocacy. Tours of the center will highlight the range of resources available to children and families, and staff will be on hand to discuss the importance of prevention, early intervention, and community engagement in protecting children from abuse.

For more information about the Easterseals Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center or the grand opening event, please contact Sara Kitchens at skitchens@eastersealsms.org. 

About Easterseals Mississippi

Easterseals Mississippi is a dedicated affiliate of The Fedcap Group, committed to supporting children, adults, and families through programs and services that promote education, health, and advocacy. Through its Children’s Advocacy Center, Easterseals Mississippi is transforming lives and building safer, more resilient communities across the state. For more information visit https://www.eastersealsms.org. 

Media Contact:

Jim Malatras, JMalatras@fedcap.org