First Lady Sarah Stitt raising money against child abuse
Oklahoma First Lady Sarah Stitt is helping to raise money for a nonprofit that helps victims of child abuse.
Stitt launched a fundraising campaign Wednesday called “Sarah's Challenge” to raise $250,000 for the Care Center in the next 30 days.s
The Oklahoma County nonprofit that works to eliminate child abuse has seen demand for its services skyrocket since August, said CEO Stacy McNeiland.
The COVID- 1 9 pandemic made it harder for children to tell someone if they are suffering from abuse, said Stitt, who is an honorary board member of the Care Center.
“Many children have been quarantined at home for five months, and it's a very sad fact that many of them are in very abusive homes,” she said. “But when children returned to school, they began to talk to friends, counselors and teachers.”
With many children returning to in-person schooling, more allegations of abuse are coming to light. Teachers and school counselors are the most frequent reporters of child abuse, McNeiland said.
“We are already seeing the need f or additional services right now ,” she said. “Children are disc losing( abuse) at record-breaking rates.”
The Care Center works with state agencies, law enforcement, child protective services and other entities to help kids suffering from abuse.
The nonprofit has a staff of about 15, and McNeil and said the additional $250,000 could help them respond to increased need for services through the end of the year.
“The Care Center needs help,” she said. “It's no secret the pandemic has brought on new ch allenges for nonprofits.”
For more in format ion,v is itwww. carecenter-okc.com/ sarahschallenge.