News – Columbia County Child Abuse Assessment Center

News From The Amani Center

December 7, 2022 – Join the Journey…Follow Asher

Scroll down for Asher’s Journey through December 22nd

Greetings,
We hope 2022 has been kind to you. Our team has been working incredibly hard and are grateful to continue serving the vulnerable children in our community through the challenging times of these past few years. It is incredibly difficult work but our team is dedicated and passionate knowing the positive impact they have on children’s lives.

It is often hard to share about the work we do and the challenges faced by child victims, because of confidentiality. As we move into this holiday season and the end of the year, we would like to share what the experience looks like for the children who visit us, as well as the efforts of our staff and the local system dedicated to serving the children of Columbia County. As we reflect on this time of gratitude, giving and connection, we hope to convey the incredible impact that your support has for the Amani Center and the children in our community.

Over the coming weeks we are going to share with you the story of Asher.

This story, while not an actual victim’s account, is based on elements of stories from the thousands of children we have served over the years.

The real Asher in our lives, who inspired the name of our child, is our Victim Advocate’s adorable pup. Asher often comes to the office to cheer us up, lighting our days and lightening our load.

We are going to send you updates that correspond with the story’s timeline. This story would be what happens in “real time” for a child in need of Amani Center services and could be what a child might be experiencing today, in your community.

If you or anyone you know needs help, please call our staff. We know this can be hard for those with lived experience to hear about another victim. If you find this content difficult and need some peer emotional support please call us. We care, are professionals and are here to help.

Thank you for your support and for joining us on Asher’s journey.

Best wishes,
Amelia Kercher, Executive Director
Beth Pulito, Development Manager
And the Amani Center Team