North Star Child Advocacy Center (North Star CAC) is pleased to announce the launch of in-house trauma-focused therapy services beginning July 1, expanding the organization’s comprehensive support for children and families impacted by abuse, neglect, and trauma.
The expansion was made possible through a two-year grant from the Sisters Health Foundation and is further supported by North Star’s generous donors and community fundraising initiatives, including the High5Drive, the WTAP–Grand Central Mall Telethon, Give Local MOV, and North Star Night Out.
The addition of therapy services marks a significant milestone in North Star CAC’s ongoing mission to provide a coordinated, child-centered response to allegations of abuse while promoting healing and resilience for children and their non-offending caregivers.
“North Star CAC is a pillar of strength and support for our region,” said Renee Steffen, Executive Director of the Sisters Health Foundation. “Our foundation is grateful to support North Star with a $170,000 grant over two years as they expand to provide full-time therapy services to children impacted by abuse and neglect and launch billing for these services. This grant directly aligns with our mission, as the trauma-therapy services will help provide a pathway toward healing for vulnerable youth throughout our region.”
For many children, the journey toward healing extends beyond the forensic interview and investigative process.
“By offering therapy services within our child advocacy program, we can provide a more seamless continuum of care and ensure that children and families receive the support they need to recover from trauma and move forward with hope,” said Greg Collins, Executive Director of North Star CAC. “Having all of the services our children truly need under one roof has always been our goal.”
Collins noted that the Sisters Health Foundation grant is intended to help establish the therapy program and position it to become self-sustaining within two years.
“Following the Victims of Crime Act funding freeze in 2021, we no longer have the ability to simply add critical new services through federal grant funding as we once could,” Collins said. “Every expansion we undertake today depends on the generosity of local foundations, local governmentsand donors who believe in our mission.”
He added, “The Sisters Health Foundation has been a steadfast partner to North Star for many years. Their support has consistently translated into meaningful services for abused children and stronger outcomes for our entire community.”
The new therapy program will provide evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health services specifically designed for children who have experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, violence, or other adverse experiences. Services will be provided by a licensed mental health professional trained in child trauma treatment and will be available to children referred through North Star CAC by law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and the courts.
“Some of our children need immediate access to a therapist,” Collins explained. “Whether they have recently disclosed sexual abuse by a trusted adult, experienced the death of a parent or sibling, or are simply struggling to process overwhelming trauma, waiting six to eight weeks for an appointment is not an option. Beginning July 1, children in crisis will be able to receive support when they need it most.”
To further support children experiencing acute trauma, North Star’s therapist will participate in the Center’s emergency response system.
“In cases requiring emergency forensic interviews, our therapist will be available on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, alongside the rest of our team,” Collins said.
The addition of therapy services reflects North Star’s commitment to removing barriers to care and increasing access to specialized trauma services across Wood, Wirt, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Calhoun counties. Collins first identified the need for in-house therapy services in 2021 and made it a priority within the organization’s strategic plan.
“This is not simply an added service, it is a necessity,” concludes Collins. “Every child who comes through our doors is affected by trauma. Some are carrying burdens so heavy that their pain is visible. We needed to ensure they could begin receiving help before they ever leave our Center.”
Since its founding in 2014, North Star Child Advocacy Center has worked collaboratively with law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical professionals, victim advocates, and community partners to ensure children receive compassionate, coordinated support throughout the investigative process. The addition of therapy services further strengthens North Star’s ability to provide comprehensive care and long-term healing for children and families.To learn more about North Star Child Advocacy Center, schedule a tour, or support its mission, contact North Star at 304-917-4437 or email nscac@northstarcac.org. Individuals interested in leaving a legacy or endowment gift may also contact the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation. Additional information is available at www.northstarcac.org
