Local Nonprofit Spotlight of the Month | Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center

If you’ve ever driven down East Richardson in Summerville, past Main Street, you might have noticed a brick building. This two-story brick building houses the Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center, my Local Nonprofit Spotlight of the Month. To some, it might just be a building, but to those who know, it’s so much more. 

The organization, first known as Children in Crisis, was initially envisioned as an evaluation and treatment center, and an emergency safe care environment for children in protective custody. It wasn’t long before the founders realized that a Child Advocacy Center model was necessary. Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center opened its doors in 2003. Through its therapeutic services and advocacy programs, the organization serves over 1,500 clients each year. In 2005, the center completed an addition to the building which houses medical exam suites and forensic interview rooms. Clinicians are able to assess and record all pertinent information regarding each case this way. Throughout the state of South Carolina, the Child Advocacy Model is now the standard. The impact that the Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center has, is not only on the children and families in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties, but statewide due to the change to the Child Advocacy Model. 

Several fundraising efforts take place during the year that enable the center to advocate for more children. One such effort seems so simple, but is significant to a child who is removed from their home. As the school year is set to begin, children in protective custody do not have the supplies needed to start their school year off well. This is why the center is currently collecting school supplies through its DCAC Kid’s Closet Drive. All information can be found in the image below or on their Facebook page.

A Community Luncheon is frequently held at the center for anyone interested in learning more about the facility. There will be a luncheon on August 18th, with an RSVP deadline of August 12th. Please visit the Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center’s social media channels or their email listed below if you would like more information about the great work they do.

Website: https://dorchesterchildren.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorchesterchildrenscenter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorchestercac/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dorchester-childrens-center

Email: info@dorchestercac.org

Congratulations to Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center on being named my Local Nonprofit Spotlight of the Month! Thank you for everything you do for the children in our community.