Monumental Campaign to Transform Child Abuse Treatment in the Lowcountry
July 20, 2017
Charleston, S.C, May 12, 2017 – Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center today announced an initiative that will improve every aspect of child abuse treatment while doubling the number of children it can serve to help them heal from the effects of abuse.
“Not since the founding of the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center 26 years ago has the Lowcountry seen such an opportunity to transform the treatment of child abuse in our community,” said Dr. Carole C. Swiecicki, Dee Norton’s executive director and CEO. “Children can, and do, heal from the effects of abuse as long as they receive the proper care. Yet, there are children right here in our community that are being underserved. We must change that.”
Advancements in both capacity and operations will be made possible by Above and Beyond: The Campaign to Help Children Soar. The $5 million campaign was announced publicly for the first time today with $3 million already pledged.
The campaign will enable Dee Norton to open a second, full-service center. Located on Long Point road in Mount Pleasant, the new facility will serve an area of urgent need and have the capacity to treat 1,500 children each year.
The Center will also redesign the King Street location by the end of 2018. Using lean methodology in the design of both centers, twice as many children in Charleston and Berkeley counties will be able to receive critical treatment from highly trained professionals. Visit times will be cut in half, reducing the emotional stress for children and their families.
An influential group of community benefactors is leading the way towards improved and expanded care for child victims of abuse. The Rice family made the campaign’s lead gift with a $1 million contribution. “We are passionate about advocating for victims of child abuse,” explained Lisa Rice. “Our children are our future. We need to shine a light on the issue so that people understand that child abuse happens across every demographic.”
Anita Zucker, CEO of The InterTech Group, was an early investor in the campaign. Her generous gift of $500,000 demonstrates her continuing dedication to the wellbeing of children.
The Medical Society’s Roper St. Francis Physicians Endowment is investing in the health of the Lowcountry’s children with a $500,000 challenge, dollar for dollar match, and an additional $500,000 when that goal is met. CEO John Holloway explained, “The Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center delivers on its mission, and we are pleased to offer this challenge to encourage the community to take part. Our investment in expanding services will pay dividends for our entire region as the cycle of abuse is broken through evidence-based treatment.” The Roper St. Francis Physicians Endowment provides direct resources to support health and wellness within the tri-county, and the Center’s campaign squarely fills that purpose.