Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center to celebrate 25 years with community breakfast

By News Reporter Gabby Cedano

The Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center (PCAC) focuses on providing services to children who have experienced sexual and physical abuse, and Tuesday marks the organization’s 25th anniversary.

PCAC Executive Director Candra Barnett says the organization works to ensure that children are supported the moment they disclose abuse, helping limit additional trauma during the investigative and healing process.

In the recent fiscal year, Barnett says the center provided services to 452 survivors, helping them begin the path toward healing. She says the mission is centered on supporting children through one of the most difficult experiences in their lives while minimizing additional trauma caused by repeated storytelling.

The center’s services extend beyond Christian County, reaching the entire nine-county Pennyrile Area Development District. Barnett says staff work through a multidisciplinary approach that brings together law enforcement, social services, mental and medical health professionals and prosecutors. The goal is coordination among all agencies involved so children can be supported without having to repeatedly recount their experiences.

To celebrate the organization’s anniversary, community members are invited to a special breakfast event on Tuesday at The Pioneers Complex on 904 N. Main St. at 7:30 a.m. Barnett says there is no cost and no registration required and they are expecting strong community turnout. She also expressed appreciation for sponsors that are making the event possible, including All Nations House of Prayer, Summertown Metals and Planners Bank.

For more information about the Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center visit pennyrilecac.org or follow the organization on Facebook for updates.