CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INC

THE PARENTING PROGRAM IS PARENT EDUCATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE. OUR PARENTING CLASSES UTILIZE THE NURTURING PARENTING PROGRAM WHICH HAS OVER 40 YEARS OF RESEARCH SHOWING THAT IT REDUCES THE BELIEFS THAT ARE KNOWN TO LEAD TO ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT WHILE INCREASING WHAT IS KNOWN AS PROTECTIVE CAPACITIES. CAC UTILIZES VARIOUS CURRICULUM WITHIN THE NURTURING PARENTING PROGRAM SUCH AS NURTURING SKILLS, NURTURING FATHERS, AND NURTURING FAMILIES IN RECOVERY (ADDICTION). THE PARENTING CLASSES ARE OFFERED IN ENGLISH, SPANISH, AND CREOLE TO FAMILIES INVOLVED IN THE DEPENDENCY SYSTEM AS WELL AS THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY LOOKING TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE THEIR PARENTING ROLES. THE CLASS SCHEDULE OFFERS CLASSES SIX DAYS PER WEEK TO INCLUDE DAYTIME, EVENING, AND WEEKEND HOURS AS NEEDED. THE PARENTING PROGRAM IS OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE. THE PINE MANOR AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAM IS A PREVENTION PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-12 WHO RESIDE IN PINE MANOR FOCUSING ON IMPROVING LITERACY, MATHEMATICS, AND SOCIAL SKILLS. SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE INDIVIDUALIZED HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE, AFTER SCHOOL KIDZLIT READING ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOCUSING ON INCREASING LITERACY SKILLS AS WELL AS CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, SPORTS AND OUTDOOR PLAY, CHARACTER EDUCATION, ARTS AND CRAFTS, FIELD TRIPS, GUEST SPEAKERS, PET THERAPY READING PROGRAM, PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN, LINKING FAMILIES WITH COMMUNITY RESOURCES, AND ONGOING COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS/CAREGIVERS REGARDING THEIR CHILD AND THE CHILD'S PROGRESS IN THE PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED AT NO COST. THE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER IS THE LEAD AGENCY FOR THE UNITED WAY RESILIENCY HUB IN EAST FORT MYERS. THE EAST RESILIENCY HUB IS A MULTI- AGENCY OUTREACH CENTER OFFERING SOCIAL SERVICES WHICH REFLECT THE NEEDS OF THE EAST FORT MYERS COMMUNITY. THE MISSION OF THE EAST RESILIENCY HUB IS TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES BY COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND EMPOWERING LOCAL RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES. THE RESILIENCY HUB PROVIDES A "ONE-STOP SHOP" FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES SEEKING RESOURCES, INFORMATION AND REFERRALS, AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES. CAC PARTNERS WITH AGENCIES CO-LOCATED AND PROVIDES A FOOD PANTRY, CLOTHING AND DIAPERS CLOSET, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL, AND ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICAID/FOOD STAMPS/FLORIDA KIDCARE APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS. SERVICES ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE. THE BEESLEY'S PAW PRINTS PET THERAPY PROGRAM PROVIDES VOLUNTEER THERAPY TEAMS, REGISTERED HANDLERS AND INSURED THERAPY DOGS. TO BRING COMFORT AND REDUCE ANXIETY FOR CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND INDIVIDUALS IN NEED. AT CAC, THE DOGS GREET VISITORS IN THE LOBBY TO CREATE A WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE AND PARTICIPATE IN INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP THERAPY SESSIONS TO PROVIDE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. BEYOND CAC, THE TEAMS EXTEND THEIR SERVICES TO PARTNER LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT LEE COUNTY AND THE 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, OFFERING COMFORT TO CHILDREN IN DEPENDENCY COURT OR WHILE TESTIFYING AGAINST ABUSERS. ALL TEAMS ARE REGISTERED THROUGH REPUTABLE ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS ALLIANCE OF THERAPY DOGS, THERAPY DOGS, INC., AND PET PARTNERS. THE FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM PROVIDES ONGOING SUPPORT TO CHILD VICTIMS AND THEIR NON-OFFENDING FAMILY MEMBERS. ADVOCATES WALK ALONGSIDE FAMILIES THROUGHOUT THE CASE, OFFERING SERVICES DURING THE INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION, AND BEYOND. SUPPORT INCLUDES SAFETY PLANNING, NEEDS ASSESSMENT, ASSISTANCE WITH CRIME COMPENSATION, REFERRALS TO SOCIAL SERVICES AND TRAUMA-FOCUSED MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT, PARTICIPATION IN CASE REVIEW, COORDINATION OF SERVICES, UPDATES ON CASE STATUS, COURT EDUCATION, AND FACILITATING COURTROOM TOURS.