CAPS is thrilled to announce they were one of three organizations in Elkhart County to receive funding during the Elkhart County City Council meeting on June 20, 2024.
Elkhart County Commissioners Brad Rogers, Suzie Weirick, and Bob Barnes proposed the funding idea to the county council, which then voted unanimously in support of CAPS. This funding will be allocated to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program and the Child and Family Advocate Center (CFAC).
The CASA program enlists trained volunteers to advocate for children involved in the court system due to abuse or neglect. These volunteers investigate each child’s situation, provide detailed reports to the court, offer emotional support, and ensure the child’s needs and best interests are prioritized in legal decisions.
The Child and Family Advocacy Center (CFAC) offers support to children and families facing abuse, neglect, or crises. CFAC provides advocacy, counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and educational programs to help families navigate challenges and ensure the well-being of children.
In 2023, CAPS served 1,634 families and 2,269 children across Elkhart County through its child abuse prevention and response programs. The CASA program assisted 305 children, while the Child and Family Advocacy Center interviewed 561 alleged child abuse victims.
CAPS’ mission is to ensure every child lives a life free from abuse and neglect. With an increasing need for their services, CAPS is immensely grateful to the County Commissioners and County Council Members for their support and recognition of CAPS’ efforts in preventing and responding to child abuse throughout the county. The CAPS team is dedicated to creating a safe and thriving community for all families and children.
Rebecca Shetler Fast, CEO of CAPS, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This funding is a strong testament to the trust and value our community places in our work. We are deeply committed to making our community the safest place for children to thrive.”
(Douglas S. Graham, Randall Yohn, Darryl J. Riegsecker, David L. Hess, Adam M. Bujalski, Thomas W. Stump, Steven E. Clark)