Although this story is of an agency far away from many of you reading, (i’ts in the State of West Virginia), the cause is in your own neighborhood as well. I encourage you to seek out an agency that does a likeminded work and offer your help. There are 3.6 million cases of child abuse reported every year in the U.S. Abused and neglected children are 11 times more likely to engage in criminal behavior as an adult. About 80% of 21-year-olds who were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder. If you help one, it would be worth it all.
Shari Johnson, (AKA The Jesus Chick)
Since January 1, 2022, in excess of 20 churches have either donated money or supplies. Faith Gospel Church parishioner, Barb Gunsch calls most every month getting a list of items, supplies or materials needed at the center. Then, a few days later, a vehicle shows up with all of the items. “God worked through me about North Star,” Gunsch states. “We were looking for a place to donate to. I heard about North Star and took a tour. God changed my heart for our church to give. God works wonders,” concludes Gunsch. It takes a lot of money for NSCAC just to operate the center itself, and that’s money not usually provided from grants. “The amount of money they have saved us over the past three years in supplies is the same as money in our pockets,” states Collins. Pastor Adam Hall of Faith Gospel Church states, “Ever since we first heard about the work being done at North Star, we have been passionate about supporting them with our different missions and offerings. Hall concluded by saying, “Jesus loved and valued the wellbeing of children and something like this donation is the least we can do.”
Three churches are donating $50.00 monthly to NSCAC, Faith Gospel Church, Heart of Worship Church and 14th Avenue Gospel Mission. “This is sustainable funding,” says Collins. “It’s $150.00 a month that we can count on and helps pay for a variety of needs here. That creates a comfort zone for us,” says Collins.
On October 26th of last year, pastors from five area churches visited North Star, not only to take a tour, but to deliver a very special gift to the center. At a recent nine (9) church, multi-denominationalrevival, NSCAC was listed as a designated benefactor for the congregation’s offerings during that week. The result of their generosity was a check for $6,454.00.
On February 29th of this year, Blanche Stephens and her two daughters visited and toured NSCAC. Following the tour, Stephens explained the reason for their visit. “My husband was an unassuming man with a relatively simple code of ethics. He believed in honesty, hard work, education, saving for a rainy day and helping friends and neighbors. Prior to his death in 2004, Harold decided that he would like to give something back to the religious family that brought him so much peace and solace in his final years. A scholarship was set up at Belleville Baptist Church. Through the years, the church membership has declined and there are no perspective eligible applicants for the scholarship. The board voted to dissolve the fund and as a condition set forth in the trust, the funds were to be distributed to 501(c)(3) organizations. North Star was one of the organizations brought before the board. After careful consideration, I selected them to receive a part of the funds being distributed,” Stephens states. Stephens, like many, said she learned of North Star from her church. Stephen’s $20,000.00 donation is the largest individual one-time donation that NSCAC has ever received. Stephens concluded by saying, “My prayer is that this donation will aid in making a difference in the lives of the many children North Star helps.”
Many different churches have toured NSCAC and have heard from Collins and his staff about what the center does daily and how evilthe stories of abuse can be at times. They have also been told about the successes of cases at the center and the stoic actions of their teammates in law enforcement (LE) and Child Protective Services (CPS), and the fact that not every child discloses abuse when there for a forensic interview. “The forensic interview means that LE or CPS has initiated an official investigation into the child and a forensic interview is needed to see if the child discloses any information about the allegations. LE and CPS make their decisions to continue the investigation based largely off the outcome of the interview. North Star continues to support the child and their family or caregivers for as long as they need us,” Collins. In the 2023 fiscal year, 22% of children interviewed at NSCAC did not disclose abuse.
“Our churches have rallied to lift us up. Our missions align perfectly. They are propelling us to do more, do better, and be here for the next 100 years for our abused children. And that’s exactly what we plan to do,” states Collins. “The churches are talking and praying about North Star and the abused children of our community. The people in those congregations often call us asking how they can help. Many are moved and compelled to be part of the solution. They pray for this staff, that they have the strength to continue to be able to help these kids,” concludesCollins.
NSCAC is nationally accredited by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), the accrediting body for more than 900 child advocacy centers, with Chapters in all 50 states. According to NCA, an estimated 1,750 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States in 2020, the most recent year for which there is national data.
You may contact North Star at 304-917-4437 or via email nscac@northstarcac.org to learn more about how you can help or to request a tour of the facility. You may also contact the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) to leave an endowment or a legacy gift to North Star. More information can be found at northstarcac.org