NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Allison Seifert
DDCworks
484-342-3600
Annual Mission Kids Fundraiser to Support Continued Expansion of Services For Victims of Child Abuse in Montgomery County
“Mission Possible” Fundraiser Highlights Child Advocacy Center’s Continued Growth and Dedication to Providing the Gift of Hope to Local Victims of Child Abuse
EAST NORRITON, Pa. – April 23, 2015 – Mission Kids, a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center in Montgomery County, will celebrate another year aiding victims of child abuse at the Annual Mission Possible Fundraiser. The event, which will be held on April 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge in King of Prussia, will feature a silent auction and an inaugural Live Ask program allowing supporters to donate directly to advocacy services.
The forensic interviews conducted by Mission Kids eliminate the need for children to relive the traumatic details of abuse over and over again. Legal and law enforcement officials are able to use the interviews throughout every stage of the process which has helped improve the rate of convictions and reduce the number of trials for child victims to endure. Additionally, Mission Kids makes referrals for specialized medical and mental health treatment for both the child and non-offending family members to help them heal faster.
In 2014, Mission Kids conducted 493 forensic interviews with suspected victims of child abuse, a 10 percent increase from the prior year. As a result of new child protection laws which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2015, the agency has already seen a 40 percent increase in the number of referrals from the same time last year. “This increase shows us that the taboos surrounding discussions of child sexual abuse are being broken encouraging more citizens, victims and families to report instances of abuse,” said Abbie Newman, executive director of Mission Kids. “Many victims are hesitant to report abuse because it often involves someone they know. The best way we can work to end child abuse for good is by encouraging community members, victims and families to report suspicions of abuse, openly discussing and acknowledging the issue and educating the community on how to identify signs of abuse.”
At this year’s event, Mission Kids will also be honoring Risa Vetri Ferman, District Attorney of Montgomery County and co-founder of Mission Kids, for her career in protecting child victims.
“It is amazing how far Mission Kids has come since its inception. We have served more than 2,200 victims of child abuse to-date under our mission of achieving healing and justice for victims of child abuse and providing services at no cost to Montgomery County families,” said Ferman. “I am so proud to have been a part of such a meaningful organization that has become a model for advocacy for the most vulnerable victims in our society.”
Mission Kids is pleased to recognize its generous sponsors and the continued generosity that Mission Kids has received from the community. Visit the Mission Kids website for a full list of sponsors and supporters.
Those interested in attending the Mission Possible fundraiser can purchase tickets for $150 per person by visiting: https://portal11.bidpal.net/Portal/bpe23461/main/home.html or by paying at the door.
The event will take place on April 30 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge, located at 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
For more information about Mission Kids, visit the advocacy center’s new website, sponsored by the Lisa Deiner Foundation: https://missionkidscac.org//.
Donations to Mission Kids can be made by contacting (484) 687-2900 or by visiting https://missionkidscac.org//.
About Mission Kids
Mission Kids is a 501(c)(3) corporation centrally located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Founded in March 2007, Mission Kids was created by the collaborative effort of the Montgomery County District Attorney, the Police Chiefs of Montgomery County, and the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth to stop the cycle of abuse and improve the outcomes for abused children and their families. Mission Kids offers a comprehensive, centrally located, multidisciplinary team response to allegations of child abuse in a dedicated, child-friendly setting to achieve justice for child victims and promote their physical and emotional well-being.
###
