It’s difficult to imagine that in our wonderful Flower Mound community the darkness of child abuse exists. What is beautiful to see is the light that is being brought into those children’s lives through The Children's Advocacy Center for North Texas under the direction of CEO Kristen Howell.As CEO, Kristen works to ensure that every child victim of the crime of abuse in Denton and Wise counties receives justice and healing. Her staff of 78 has served over 3,500 children this year, and just approved a $6 million dollar budget to keep growing their efforts. One of the sad truths about child abuse is that it can happen to children from any family and any background. Kristen is proud that in Flower Mound, the response to help these young victims is so robust and effective. An important part of what they do first is provide support for law enforcement’s investigation. The Children’s Advocacy Center has a welcoming environment and child development professionals who are trained in this process. They also provide therapy, and are a powerful healing force in the lives of these children and their families. The team approach and methodical investigation increases the chance that justice will be served in the courtroom. Kristen goes to every court case and shares that she is changed by the courage she sees in these kids. The Advocacy Center would love for you to get involved as a volunteer and help them fulfill their mission to the youngest members of our community. Opportunities are available whether you prefer to help out in person, coordinate a diaper drive, serve on the board, or join the group that plans and runs seasonal events. Check further down the show notes for links to get more information! Kristen wants Flower Mound citizens to know that through the Children’s Advocacy center they are bringing children and families out of the darkness of abuse and lifting them into the light. It’s important work, and they need help to make it happen. Takeaways from this episode:The Children's Advocacy Center for North Texas, under the direction of CEO Kristen Howell, works to ensure that every child victim of the crime of abuse in Denton and Wise counties receives justice and healing. She is so proud of her team as they support the children to go through the course of treatment, get therapy and recover from this to reach their full potential. Help is needed from the community in many different ways - from in person volunteering, to diaper drives and event coordination! You can find out more about these opportunities on their website and by following The Children's Advocacy Center for North Texas on Facebook. Resources mentioned in this episode:Learn more about The Children's Advocacy Center for North Texas:https://cacnorthtexas.orgIf you'd like to volunteer, you can sign up through:Child Advocacy Support Team:https://cacnorthtexas.org/en/get-involvedConnect to Kristen Howell:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-howell-55260119Books:The Art of Gathering:https://www.amazon.com/Art-Gathering-How-Meet-Matters/dp/1594634920The Rose Code:https://www.amazon.com/The-Rose-Code-A-Novel/dp/B089WHV9Y7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1O7NO306GSTDV&keywords=the+rose+code&qid=1650041795&s=books&sprefix=the+rose+code%2Cstripbooks%2C103&sr=1-1Lincoln Highway:https://www.amazon.com/The-Lincoln-Highway-A-Novel/dp/B08WVLSDDR/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=lincoln+highway&qid=1650041827&s=audible&sprefix=linc%2Caudible%2C90&sr=1-1The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo:amazon.com/Seven-Husbands-of-Evelyn-Hugo-audiobook/dp/B071Z8Z5C7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=7+husbands+of+evelyn+hugo&qid=1650041851&s=audible&sprefix=7+husbands%2Caudible%2C69&sr=1-1To get receive the framework to help you know yourself better, or to know someone deeper, email me:nicole@nicolesmith.netTo listen to previous episodes, and to submit your application as a guest, please visit:https://aroundflowermound.com/
