Late summer is an important time at Brooks’ Place Child Advocacy Center as two major fundraisers are on the horizon.

Just ahead, on Aug. 16, is the Cullman Realtors Association’s charity auction, followed on Sept. 2 by the long-running Charity Gold Tournament at TP Country Club. The two events are the major fundraisers for the organization, while government funding comes through an Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grant.

Brooks’ Place provides forensic interview services with children who may have experienced abuse or who have witnessed a crime or other violent act. The primary aim of forensic services is to aid in ensuring the safety of the individual child as well as other children in the community.

“In the last fiscal year, we conducted 302 interviews with children, resulting in more 1,100 counseling sessions and 84 medical treatments,” said Gail Swafford, executive director of Brooks’ Place. 

Some people ask if Cullman County has a higher rate of abuse cases than other, Swafford said, but the same problem is found everywhere.

“Unfortunately, we are not seeing the numbers go down. I think we’re more aggressive in here and when it comes to children we move forward quickly.,” Swafford said. “We do a lot of outreach, and this is a problem a lot of people don’t want to talk about. We’ve been fortunate to work with schools and their personnel, and we work with other agencies. Our job is a mission for children.”

In addition to conducting interviews with children, which are vital for court cases, children who come to Brooks’ Place can have a medical examination. The agency also has a family outreach program to ensure that utilities and food and other essentials are available.

“We can refer to other agencies where to find the things that are needed,” Swafford said. “Food banks, such as found at Cullman Caring for Kids, and other services are vital. We cannot minister to families if they’re hungry.”

The annual golf tournament fundraiser includes four-person teams for $320. Anyone wishing to participate in the event should contact Blakely Hopper to register to play at 256-739-2243, ext. 308, or bhopper@cullmancac.com.

To report child abuse in Cullman County, call:

DHR

256-737-5300

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

256-734-0342

Cullman City Police Department

256-734-1434

or Dial 911

How to support Brooks’ Place

Aug. 16, Cullman Relators Association charity auction

Sept. 2, Charity Golf Tournmant, TP Country Club