A local, non-profit organization helping victims of child abuse and neglect in Fannin County, Texas, received a piece of news that a funding grant for said victims is being cut.
The Fannin County Children’s Center did not receive one state grant. Four other state and federal grants are being cut down for the new economic year as well. All the cuts added up to about $68,000 in all.
“Fortunately, we will be able to avoid any lay-offs by not filling a current vacancy,” Sandy Barber, Executive Director, said. “We have been working on restructuring our organization and shifting some job duties around to minimize disruption of services to the children, youth, and families we serve.”
“The Children’s Center has been blessed with strong community support since we started serving children in 1993. We are asking our community to help us get through this challenging time,” Barber added.
Barber said that a way to help the non-profit organization is by being a monthly donor. “The easiest way to do this is to donate on our website and set your gift to be automatically reoccurring. Many people giving monthly gifts of $10, $25 or more add up quickly.”
The Center has recently begun to ask sponsors and auction items for their annual gala fundraiser that is called “Justice is Served.” The event this year will be a mixed one that will happen on Nov. 10-13. Guests would be given options to either attend in-person at the Complex or participate virtually. Details of the event are on their website, which includes sponsorship levels and auction items donation forms.
Barber also shared that a similar challenge happened in 2007 where they lost a major grant.
“Fortunately, this community responded generously and we were able to weather that storm. We are hopeful we can do that again. Whether you donate a baked good or other items for our auction, increase your sponsorship level of Justice Is Served, become a monthly donor, or make a one-time gift, your help is needed and will be appreciated,” he said.
Barber also narrated a story in 2007 when Nobles Resources, a local company offering pest control services, heard of what happened to their center and vowed to provide their services for free for a whole year. By the end of the year, the company continued its contribution and has been doing it since then.
The mission of the Center is to promote a safe and improved life for children who were abused and neglected. Its programs include CASA and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Services consist of advocacy, forensic interviews, counseling, court accompaniment, and other support to help victims to heal, grow, and thrive.
For more information or to make an online donation, people can visit www.FanninCCC.org or call (903) 583-4339.
