On Saturday, April 5th, Dallas Moms Blog has partnered with Richardson Dentistry (and other amazing sponsors) to bring you our first annual Easter Egg Hunt at Huffhines Park. There will be mini egg hunts, crafts, delicious snacks, face painting, photo opportunities, and a (surprise) appearance from the Easter Bunny!
While we’re extremely excited to see the families and kids having a wonderful time {on what will hopefully be a beautiful Saturday morning}, we’re even more excited for what our Egg Hunt will mean for our featured non-profit organization — Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center!
During our Easter Egg Hunt, Dallas Moms Blog will be hosting a raffle with incredible prizes all valued at $100 or higher. (See the complete list here.) At the end of the event, 100% of the raffle ticket proceeds will be donated to DCAC.
So why partner with Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center? April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and it’s the mission of the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) to improve the lives of abused children in Dallas County and to provide national leadership on child abuse issues. DCAC coordinates the investigation and prosecution of the most severe cases of child abuse in our community.
Last year, DCAC served almost 2,800 children (and their non-offending family members) who were sexually abused, severely physically abused, or who had witnessed a violent crime. DCAC provides a warm, child-friendly environment to help children who are referred by law enforcement or CPS.
Personally, we couldn’t think of a more fitting organization to partner with and are excited to share this center with you!
But rather than provide you with more facts, we thought we’d introduce you to one of the incredible employees that is continually improving the lives of children by helping the DCAC function.
Meet Mindy Jackson – Director of Support Services!
Tell us a little about what you do at DCAC:
I supervise the volunteer program, case managers, and administrative staff. My role is to ensure that all children receiving services from DCAC experience a warm, caring environment that meets their needs and promotes their overall well-being. I ensure that children are engaged in safe, productive activities in the waiting rooms; that volunteers are available for program support; and that caregivers are equipped with all of DCAC resources and community referrals.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love working directly with our clients. Most of all I enjoy the opportunity to make a positive impact with our DCAC children through daily, routine services as well as DCAC “CHAMP Camp.” We offer this camp three times a year for current and graduated children.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to know about child abuse?
I believe that a common misconception is that offenders fit a certain profile. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Offenders come from a wide variety of backgrounds, professions, age groups, and socio-economic groups. Most offenders are not strangers; but instead, people you know and interact with such as parents, siblings, other family members, neighbors, and social acquaintances.
How can our readers help Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center?
A great help to DCAC would be to host a drive for the clothes closet, purchase items for CHAMP Camp, or become a volunteer.
{The DCAC Clothes Closet is filled with new clothes for every season. When a child is removed from a home, DCAC able to provide a relaxing experience where children can go in and choose clothing, toiletries, and in some cases, fun toy distractions to make the transition a little easier.}
Do you have a favorite story you can share?
I have so many favorite stories. Something that stands out in my mind is our Holiday Giving Program. We provided Christmas to over 1,200 children in 2013. I am always so amazed by how many children wish for a bike!
* * * * *
How Else Can You Help?
We’ve organized several ways you can help Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center in addition to volunteering:
- Dallas Moms Blog will be collecting donation items the day of our Easter Egg Hunt! Bring NEW toiletries, baby items, or unused toys the day of the event to be donated to DCAC’s Clothes Closet. (See a complete list of acceptable donations here.) Families who bring an acceptable donation will receive 3 FREE Raffle Tickets when an admission ticket is shown.
- Now through Easter — Sunday, April 27th — Excessory Exchange will be donating 10% of their proceeds to Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center when shoppers use promo code “DMBEASTER” at checkout. This offer is available to all readers; including those not attending our Egg Hunt event.
- If you head to Monster Yogurt in Richardson or Casa Linda, make sure to place a donation in their charity coffee bar! Monster Yogurt will be donating 100% of their coffee proceeds to Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.
- Send a quick text to 20-222 and automatically donate $10! This will show as a tax-deductible donation on your cell phone bill.
- And of course, BUY RAFFLE TICKETS HERE for our Egg Hunt event! Not only will you be helping an amazing cause, but the prizes are incredible if you win! PLEASE purchase raffle tickets prior to the event in order to help make registration go smoothly!
**Note: Although our Easter Egg Hunt event is currently sold out, we are planning to release tickets from our Waitlist. Please make sure to add your name if you’d like to attend. When (and if) we’re able to release more, you will be notified by email on or before March 22, 2014.
