Foundation Grant Supports Child Advocacy in Union County

The Investors Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations that enrich the communities served by Investors Bank, has awarded a $5,000 grant to Friends of the Child Advocacy Center of Union County, a non-profit corporation dedicated to raising funds to support the needs of the Child Advocacy Center of Union County (CAC).  The grant builds on previous funding awarded by the Foundation.

Since 1995, the CAC has provided services for sexually and physically abused children of Union County.  At the Center, a team of police, prosecutors, child protection workers, nurses, physicians, and therapists work together to provide the children with investigative and therapeutic treatment in a safe, child-friendly environment.

“The children and their families benefit from having on-site availability of ‘wrap-around’ investigative, medical, therapeutic, and prosecution services, all offered at one location,” explained Michael Ventura, chairman and president of Friends of the Child Advocacy Center of Union County.

According to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center 2012 Annual Report, the misery index for children in Union County was high in 2012 — more than 584 referrals of child abuse were received, 84 investigations were opened, and 73 criminal complaints were signed.

“On behalf of the organization's leadership, staff, and the community we serve, we thank the Investors Foundation for its continuing support,” said Union County Assistant Prosecutor John Esmerado.

“The Child Advocacy Center’s 28 staff members assist more than 1,100 people at the facility every year,” said Kevin Cummings, President and CEO of Investors Bank and a member of the Foundation’s board. “We are proud to help the Center continue its mission of help and hope for children throughout the region.”