Heart Lines Volume 19, Issue 2 HELPING TO CHANGE THE WORLD ONE CHILD AT A TIME Spring/Summer 2021 Agency Partner Spotlight: Assistant District Attorney

A professional benchmark of mine was being chosen as the next Child Advocacy Assistant District Attorney in June of 2020– something when I decided to pursue prosecution as a career I always wanted to do. It is humbling to keep the trust of the community in such a position, and one that I strive to earn daily. My passion is to seek justice for children, those innocent victims who have suffered trauma before truly beginning to live. Fighting for these victims and seeing things through to the end, gives me a strong sense of purpose and keeps me motivated. Abuse cases can be some of the most difficult cases to prosecute. To prosecute these effectively requires long hours, thorough investigations, and a multidisciplinary approach through partnerships with others. Partnership is what the Child Advocacy Center is all about. The team of specialists who work at the CAC are highly trained in dealing with children of abuse. Law enforcement, counselors, DHR, social workers, and pediatric specialists work in tandem to conduct joint investigations. We understand that children typically do not disclose information immediately. It takes them time to adjust. Everything is centralized through the center so that victims can meet the entire team at one facility. This allows them to gain trust and to feel safe in their environment. Their comfort is our number one concern. I absolutely love my team at the Child Advocacy Center. Even with the challenging work that we do, we are able to find comfort in helping our victims. We support each other professionally and personally. It shows how much of a joint effort this job can be. Criminal Justice System operations have changed immensely since the COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020. Despite the challenges presented during the pandemic, the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office and the Child Advocacy Center have remained open, diligently working to provide justice for our innocent victims. Even with COVID restrictions, we were able to successfully try and win a case that had been pending since 2018. It was a true honor to get justice for that victim. We are hopeful that in the fall we will have full access to all of the courtrooms so we can try the maximum number of cases each trial week and resume pre-COVID trial schedules. The work done at the Child Advocacy Center saves children’s lives. In some cases, it helps end the cycle of abuse and allows these children and their families to finally heal. I am proud to be a part of this team. I would not be able to do what I do without my right-hand Bonita Westry. She just celebrated her 25th anniversary with the Child Advocacy Center and continues to make sure that we keep cases moving and that we have personal contact with the victims and their families. Thank you, Bonita, for all

that you do! Assistant District Attorney Jessica Catlin

Child Abuse Awareness Month

A news conference was held at the CAC to celebrate April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. An awareness campaign was announced to educate the public on the mission of the Child Advocacy Center. Lamar Outdoor Advertising also helped promote the services which the CAC provides by designing and displaying billboards around the city. Lewis Communications designed the original CAC brochure which is where the artwork Andy Wynne, CAC, Lawrence Batiste, City of for billboards came from. Pinwheels surrounded the grounds around the CAC to symbolize Mobile Public Safety Director, Troy Tatum, Lamar child victims who came to the center for services last year. advertising, CAC Staff 1 By Andy Wynne, Executive Director Summer has begun, the world is beginning to open back up, and slowly our lives are returning to normal. At this time last year I would never have thought that the pandemic would have lasted this long or have such enormous impact. While many things changed some basics did not change. When I talk about the work of the CAC most people state that they could not stand seeing the pain and suffering of the abused children we care for and serve. It truly does take its toll, but thankfully there is balance. That balance is mainly provided by people like you. It is only through the kindness and generosity of people like you that we exist. Over 70% of our funding is provided through private donations. This kindness is not just transformed into services that heal unimaginable and mostly invisible wounds, it is truly a beacon of hope and goodness. Your generosity is a reminder of all that is good and kind and just. It not only provides hope to those who receive our services, it is a sign to those working here that their efforts are valued and appreciated. It means more than most realize. Most research indicates that child abuse rose during the pandemic, but reporting declined. I believe we will not know the true impact for years to come. What I do know is that our numbers remained somewhat steady and have begun rising. We need your help to keep providing care to these children. On behalf of those we serve thank you! You can truly bee a life changer.

“Many hands make light work”. Just imagine if everyone who receives this newsletter would send just $8 dollars a month our fundraising goals would be achieved. There are so many other services we could provide (prevention programs, community outreach, enhanced forensic interviewing) if we only had secure funding. To those who give, thank you. To those who have not please think and pray about it. I promise you will receive more than you give.

“HUGS” Dunk-A-Cop

The Child Advocacy Center hosted the Adams and Reese LLP HUGS (HOPE UNDERSTANDING GIVING SUPPORT) DUNK-A-COP for children who receive services at the CAC and their siblings. The concept that Lifelines Counselors had was to help children who had been abused, learn to become more at ease with the staff investigating their case. This fun day featured Mobile Police, Prichard Police, Mobile County Sheriff’s Officers, and an Assistant District Attorney. Mobile Fire and Rescue helped fill the dunking booth. Children enjoyed popcorn, snow cones, and games. Our friends at Conecuh Sausage donated hot dogs and sausage and their ambassador, David Webb kindly grilled them and provided the buns. Kids learned to laugh with the Law Enforcement Officers housed at the CAC and know that they are friendly and kind and really care. Volunteers from the team at the CAC, Adams and Reese LLP, and the District Attorney’s Office all helped with this event. We thank all who helped to make this event a great success.

Lifelines Counselors getting ready for Dunk a Cop Sherry Cates and Sherri Charles of Adams and Reese LLP Andy Wynne, CAC getting PIED “ It’s all good”

TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE - CALL 450-7018

2 Cheers to Children

Williams Financial Group, LLC is Title Sponsor of Cheers to Children, a benefit for the Child Advocacy Center. Christopher L. George, P.C. and Norton Lilly International are also event sponsors. This year we will have a NON-EVENT. Our world has slowed down since March 2020 but child abuse is on the rise. We ask people to donate the ticket cost of the event $35 and on Monday, July 26 have dinner at home with a glass of wine to help fund free services for abused children. Call 432-1101 for information. You can donate thru www.cacmobile. org , on CAC FaceBook, or mail a check to the CAC.

Special Thanks & Appreciation

Phillips Preparatory School

Phillips Prep School’s Eighth Grade Class presented a check for $ 1,401 to the CAC at their Honors Program on Tuesday, May 25. This year is bittersweet because Ms. Linda Goodson, Phillips Prep School Teacher, who started this program 21 years ago is retiring this year after 41 years of teaching. The gift is part of the Honoring the Communities Project sponsored by the Gulf Coast Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education. Language Arts teachers Linda Goodson and Nicol Woodbury used their study of Holocaust-related literature to help students discover the importance of speaking out against and working to end injustice. The project honors the memory of the 1.5 million Jewish children and teenagers murdered during the Holocaust. To honor these young victims, the eighth graders chose again to support the CAC. This year’s gift brings the total to over $43,000 that Phillips Prep School eighth graders have raised for the Child Advocacy Center during the past twenty-one years as part of their annual Holocaust Service Project. We appreciate these young people learning to volunteer Elaine Henderson, CAC with Teacher and give back to their community to help children who have been abused. Linda Goodson

3 Special Thanks & Appreciation

Serve it up With Love Charity Tennis Tournament

Briggs Equipment, Horizon Freight Systems, and Michelob Ultra were Presenting Sponsors of the men and ladies Serve It Up With Love Charity Tennis Tournament. Nibrock and Rich’s Car Wash were Love Sponsors for this year’s event. Ladies day, ladies night, and men played on Tuesday, April 27. The mixed doubles tournament was played on Sunday afternoon April 25. 438 men and women participated.in all 4 events. This year’s event raised over $110,733,000 net proceeds in our Fifteenth anniversary. Ladies enjoyed fresh fruit and individually wrapped bakery items provided by Fresh Market, coffee by Carpe Diem, and gift cards were provided by Wintzell’s Oyster House and Flour Girls Bakery provided cupcakes. Thanks to Kyle Oliver, CAC Board Member Budweiser-Busch Distributing for providing beverages and Eleven 86 Water and Coca Cola for Coke products. Grand Slam Sponsors were McConnell Buick GMC, The Hargrove Foundation, The Mobile County Commission, and Mercedes Benz of Mobile. USA, LLB&B, Iberia Bank, and the Orthopaedic Group were Wimbledon Sponsors. Foosackly’s provided awards for ladies and men. Cliff Kennedy, CAC Board Member provided Frios Pops for ladies’ day players to enjoy. Lamar Outdoor Advertising donated a colorful mini billboard at the tennis center to help promote the event. Calagaz Digital Printing and provided all print materials free of charge and donated mailing services. Monthly designed and donated a half page ad in the March issue. The In-kind sponsor values added up to a whopping $25,000! We appreciate our French Open Sponsors: Beard Equipment, Citrin Cardiology, Girl Be Brave, Joe Bullard Automotive Group, Noblet Family Dental, Springhill Medical Center, The Martin Center, and USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Many thanks to Scott and Lorraine Novak who directed this wonderful event. A special thanks to everyone who participated. The amazing committee created an outstanding fun event. If you would like to serve on this committee or become a sponsor please call Elaine Henderson at 432-1101and continue to check our website for updates and photos, Dogwood Productions donates the hosting of this website.www.serveitupwithlove.com donated by Dogwood Productions and find us on Face Book.

Tennis Committee Andy Wynne, CAC, Stephen Jones, Marketing Director, Andy Wynne, Elaine Henderson, presented a plaque and Darla Mathews, Certified Athletic Trainer, of to Mobile County Commissioners, Connie Hudson, sponsor The Orthopaedic Group Merceria Ludgood, and Randall Dueitt for their sponsorship

Jason Burce, Briggs Equipment Frios Pops and Kyle Oliver, CAC Board Member of Budweiser Busch 4 Serve it Up With Love Al Fuchs Memorial Greater Mobile Junior Championship

The 2021 Al Fuchs Memorial Greater Mobile Junior Championship presented by Briggs Equipment, was held on Sunday afternoon, April 25 at the Copeland Cox Tennis Center. 54 juniors from ages 8 to 18 participated. Students from St. Paul’s Episcopal High School were recipients of gift cards from Blaze Pizza for having the most participants in the tournament and students from T.R. Miller received a Spirit Award with gift cards from Blaze Pizza. Fresh Market provided fresh fruit for all players to enjoy. Foosackly’s and Wintzell’s Oyster House provided gift cards for each player. Thank you, Kevin Wood, for providing funding for Junior awards. Sparkling Ice and Eleven 86 Water provided beverages for the juniors. If you would like to help with the tournament or become a sponsor please contact [email protected] and check out our www.serveitupwithlove.com, hosted compliments of Dogwood Productions and Giddens Family tennis players find us on Facebook.

T.R. Miller High School players from Brewton, St. Paul’s Episcopal School Saints had the most participants

Ruth’s Chris 19th Annual Jazzy Lunch

Ruth’s Chris Steak House will host the 19th Jazzy Lunch for the Child Advocacy Center on Sunday, October 17. In the past 18 years the event has raised over $1,141,822 for the CAC’s healing services for child sexual abuse victims. CAC Board Member, Margaret Schatzman, is serving as this year’s event chairman. We thank David Cooper, Sr., the Cooper family, and the management and staff of Ruth’s Chris Steak House for their 18 years of support. This year’s event will begin at 11:30 a.m. under a tent with favorite drinks of Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas served to the music of the Excelsior Jazz Band. Jazzy Lunch sponsorships are available for this event, including Gold Sponsorship for $5,000, Silver Sponsorship for $2,500 and Bronze Sponsorship for $1,500. This premier event is very popular and usually sells out quickly. If you would like to become a sponsor call 432-1101.

5 DOWNTOWN CAJUN COOK OFF WILL BE BACK IN CATHEDRAL SQUARE

Cunningham Bounds, LLC will present the 6th Annual Downtown Cajun Cook-Off to benefit the Child Advocacy Center on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Area restaurants will feature samplings of their best Cajun cuisine during this event. In addition to Cunningham Bounds, LLC. Bud Light is the Stage Sponsor where live music will be provided. Trustmark is our bank sponsor and WALA FOX10 is our Television Sponsor with Jason Smith, Chief Meteorologist serving as Honorary Chairman. Call 251-432-1101 or email ehenderson@ cacmobile.org if you have a business that is interested in becoming a sponsor or having a cooking team.

Join the event page on Facebook “Downtown Cajun Cook-Off” to keep up to date on the latest announcements and to invite your friends to join us.

HBA Parade of Homes The Home Builder’s Association of Metro Mobile will host their Parade of Homes this year in conjunction with Baldwin County. Dates will be October 2nd 3rd, 9th & 10th. This year’s Showcase Home will be built by Lynn Nolen of Lynn Nolen Construction in the Kimber Ridge Subdivision in Irvington. Proceeds from the tour will benefit the CAC. Last year the event raised $2,856 to help fund services for our children. Since 1987, this event has raised over $186,809 for the CAC. The 2021 HBA President is Tom Stokes with Truland Homes, and the 2021 Parade of Homes Chairman is Ken Vicens with Elite Home Building. Many new homes will be on tour throughout Mobile County during the Parade of Homes. Hours each day will be from 10:00 until 5:00. The cost to view the Showcase Home will be a $3.00 donation for each adult and a $1.00 donation for children under 12 years of age, children under the age of 2 are free of charge.

6 Lyon Newell Charity Throws Meet The 19th Annual Lyon Newell Charity Throws Meet was held at UMS-Wright Preparatory School on Friday, March 26. High school teams from across Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi participated in the event. $2,000 was donated to the CAC. This unique sporting event for discus, javelin, and shot-put competition is held each year in memory of Lyon Newell, an outstanding athlete, a 1998 UMS-Wright Graduate and state record holder in the discus and shot put. The Gold Level Sponsors were Mobile Asphalt Company, Hancock Whitney Bank, Thames Batre Insurance, and U-J Chevrolet. We appreciate everyone who worked so hard to make this event a success.

Pat Galle,UMS-Wright Track Coach, Andy Wynne, CAC giving a plaque of appreciation to Mark Mostellar, Mobile Asphalt Company

Pathway Church Donation Donations of School Supplies and Backpacks Needed We thank Lauren Gaudet of Rich’s Car Wash, and her small group from Pathway Church, collected many toys and much needed items for children at Please consider purchasing some the CAC. school supplies, including pencil sharpeners, rulers, binders, 3 prong folders, markers, and colored pencils and back packs for our children when you are out shopping. We try to provide these for our children and their siblings for the opening of school.

United Way Day of Caring

FOX10 partnered with the CAC in this year’s Day of Caring. 30 employees in split shifts spent the day power washing the building and sidewalks, painting the lobby and hall, and organizing the storage house. We appreciate our special friends sharing their time and talents, they all did an amazing job to make the CAC look good.

Fox 10 Day of Caring Team

7 The Child Advocacy Center, Inc. NON PROFIT ORG 1351 Springhill Ave. US POSTAGE Mobile, AL 36604 PAID P 251.432.1101 F 251.432.0330 Permit No. 435 Mobile, AL www.cacmobile.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The Child Advocacy Center Board Members 2021 Jay Watkins, President Noell Broughton, Vice President Terry Ankerson, Treasurer Rachel Mahoney, Secretary

Tom Barclay David Cooper Jr. Dan Cushing Tricia Graham Jürgen Hellmich Cliff Kennedy Austin Key Mike Lee Sr. Jimmy Lyons Kevin Moore Brennan S. Myers Dr. Richard Noblet Kimi Oaks Kyle Oliver Shane Owens Jacob Palmer Keith Palmer Margaret Schatzman Beth Taupeka Lane Weavil Elbert Wingfield

https://www.facebook.com/ChildAdvocacyCenterOfMobile

Wish List Parenting Tips Target & WalMart gift cards for school supplies HOW TO STAY COOL WHEN LIFE HEATS UP Games for children of all ages The next time pressure builds to where you feel like lashing out at your child— Art supplies for group activities STOP! & therapy Take a deep breath, and another, and another. Remember that you are the Journals for teens adult. Imagine how you would feel if someone said or did what you feel like saying or doing to your child. Put your child in a time-out chair-One minute for Tooth brushes and tooth paste for our each year of the child’s age. If someone can watch the child, go outside for a comfort bags walk, or go to the bedroom, close the door and lie down until you and your School supplies to child cool off. have for the beginning of school Adapted from the Kansas Children’s Service League Parent Helpline Back Packs

Heart Lines is published 3 times a year - October, February and June by the Child Advoacy Center, Inc. 1351 Springhill Ave, Mobile, AL 36604 Phone: 251.432.1101 Fax: 251.432.0330 Web: www.cacmobile.org

8