HOLLAND, Mich. United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) contributed $1,500 to the Childrens Advocacy Center of Ottawa County, Holland, Mich. for its recent 8
th Annual Bids and Bites Gala Event. Bids and Bites is the centers premier fundraising event, attended by more than 250 business professionals, business leaders, child advocates, and community members.
Since 1998, the Childrens Advocacy Center has provided care and support to child victims of sexual abuse and their families. The services, provided free of charge, enable children to heal emotionally and physically. The Bids and Bites event funds many of the centers programs and services throughout the year.
Professionals, including therapists and mental health professionals, help children cope with the fluctuating and usually severe effects of sexual abuse. Through the centers thoughtful and studied approach, children acquire the confidence they need not only to survive, but thrive once again as children.
"The Childrens Advocacy Center has helped hundreds of children and their families manage the effects of abuse, said UFCU Business Services Representative Randy Smith. "They serve children in a variety of ways and help defend their rights." Smith has been involved with the center for 10 years.
"We believe child abuse is a community problem, and that no single agency can meet all of the needs of victims and their families," said Childrens Advocacy Center Executive Director Darcy Komejan. She also feels children are often re-victimized when required to seek treatment place after place, adding "We take care of the childs care and therapy, and at times their legal needs, all from the center."
The multi-disciplinary team approach uses an extensive team of professionals, including Protective Services, Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Medical, and Mental Health professionals.
"Everything about the Childrens Advocacy Center amazes me," added Holland South Branch Manager Sarah Unema. "The Bids and Bites event is just one opportunity for us to show our support."
"Many of these families have nowhere else to turn," continued Unema. "At UFCU, we want to be there for the kids in our community and a resource to the non-profits that serve them. Our credit unions community and team spirit resonates everywhere. Im thankful we could offer our financial support."
With 22 branches nationwide, UFCU cares about all of the communities it serves, and, encourages the people helping people spirit by staff and Members alike.
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About UFCU
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 120,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.57 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Ohio. UFCU has been named the Michigan Credit Union League Outstanding Credit Union of the Year 2013. UFCU has also been named the National Federal Credit Union of the Year 2013 by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.
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About The Childrens Advocacy Center of Ottawa County
The center offers a wide variety of prevention and intervention services, including a safe, child-friendly environment, coordination of multi-disciplinary investigation, joint investigation interviews, crisis intervention for children and families dealing with suspected abuse, expert medical exams by specially-trained physicians and registered nurses, court preparation and advocacy, case management, victim support groups, non-offending parent support groups, community education/public speaking, specialized training for professionals, information, and referrals. More information can be found at
http://www.cac-ottawa.org/.
