Over 475 people attended the 24th Annual The Children’s Place St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center Benefit Luncheon which was held on Tuesday, April 25 at First Baptist Church in Pell City. The benefit luncheon is the largest fundraiser that The Children’s Place conducts, and is held every year in April to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Children’s Place St. Clair Children Advocacy Center has served survivors of child abuse and their families since 1992 through prevention programs in Pell City and St. Clair County Schools, counseling for survivors of child abuse and their families, forensic interviews in abuse investigations, as well as providing court mandated classes for couples divorcing in St. Clair County. The Children’s Place initially began primarily as an educational and prevention outreach, but has grown to include intervention, counseling, and classes which are offered free to children who have been abused and their families.

Pam Kelley, the director of The Children’s Place since 2000, worked in the Department of Human Resources with foster care in Georgia, and that experience got her interested in working with The Children’s Place. She works in Intervention with children who have been abused.

“It is very stressful but rewarding as well,” Kelley stated. “Having seen how the system was to how child-friendly the system is now helps keep me involved.”

In 2016, The Children’s Place staff conducted 141 interviews with children where cases of abuse had been made, in conjunction with the Department of Human Resources and local law enforcement. They also offer counseling by a Master’s level therapist, in which 181 children participated last year. Over 498 sessions were completed. They also offer Transitions, a court mandated class for couples divorcing in St Clair County In 2016, a total of 154 adults and 65 children completed the program.

While the non-profit group is instrumental in support and a needed resources for children who have been abused, they also focus on prevention. Since inception in 1992, the prevention curriculum has grown to include all classrooms from grades Kindergarten-Eighth within St. Clair County and Pell City School Systems, encompassing over 7641 students in 2016. Cheryl Fagan is the Prevention Specialist who coordinates the program for schools. This year, a poster contest was held in area schools and the winners were presented at the benefit luncheon.

Other area schools also performed for attendees of the luncheon. Students from Jamison Taylor’s School of Music performed a selection of songs, playing instruments and singing. The Coosa Valley Drum Ensemble, led by Keith White, performed as well as the Pell City High School Showstoppers. Students from the Ambassadors programs at Jefferson State Community College and Talladega College volunteered to serve at The Children’s Place Benefit Luncheon also. 

Dr. Michael Barber, Pell City School System Superintendent, was the master of ceremonies at the luncheon. During a brief break between performances, Barber created an impromptu singing ensemble, calling local city leaders including Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt, City Manager Brian Muenger, St. Clair County District Attorney Lyle Harmon, and new Pell City Police Chief Paul Irwin to be back-up singers.

Pam Kelley stated, “We have great community support. We are blessed to be in a community that is so welcoming and helpful when it comes to children.”

For more information on The Children’s Place St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center, you may contact them at (205) 338-8847.