GiveSI with the FWCAC

Generous donors who support the FWCAC are a big reason we are able to do the work that we do. Whether you donate money, time, supplies, or just help spread the word, we THANK you for supporting us!

We know there is still so much work to be done in our communities and the fight against child abuse isn't over... which is why we're teaming up with GiveSI this Giving Tuesday.

The FWCAC has joined in on GiveSI -- a community day of giving during the global movement "Giving Tuesday." The Southern Illinois Community Foundation has launched a 30 hour campaign to encourage community members to support nonprofits in the 17 southernmost counties of Illinois. You can donate online now through November 29, 2022 at 11:59pm. Just click here to donate!

The FWCAC is dedicated to serving the best interests of children who have been sexually or physically abused. We provide forensic interviews, advocacy, medical evaluation referrals, and therapy to child victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and child witnesses to homicides, and other violent crimes. Services are available to the child for as long as needed and free of charge. We are the only organization in Southern Illinois that provides support to the child victim and their family from the outcry of abuse until the end of the criminal trial.

In FY22, our Center conducted 145 forensic interviews for child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or child witnesses to homicide or other violent crimes. That's 145 children in our community that have been through the unimaginable. By supporting us, you allow these children the opportunity to tell their story.

Without a CAC, a child may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again to doctors, law enforcement, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others. They may have to talk about that traumatic experience in a police station where they think they might be in trouble, or may be asked the wrong questions by a well-meaning adult that could hurt the case against the abuser.

CACs are so important as they provide a safe, child-focused environment where the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not re-traumatize the child. Then, a team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview.

CACs bring the services TO the victim in a child-friendly and trauma-informed way.

If you have been thinking about donating, now is the time to do it! The matching bonus pool, which has been donated by community partners, allows your money to go further when you donate during GiveSI! The matching bonus pool will be awarded to all participating nonprofits based on the percentage of the overall total they raise during GiveSI. For example: If FWCAC raises 2% of the giving day total, we will receive 2% of the qualified matching bonus pool…if we raise 5% of the grand total, we get 5% of the qualified matching bonus pool. Basically, the matching bonus pool ensures that your donation goes a little bit further during GiveSI!