From the Executive Director's Desk:
I know it is often over-used, but during this challenging time, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the Mr. Rogers quote, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping’.” Even though we are facing an incredibly difficult time in our community right now, I have had the privilege to see so many helpers doing what they can, quietly behind the scenes. Our partners at Columbia Health Services have been running therapeutic support teams in the schools, Law Enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office have continued to plug away at investigations, and so many caring adults (including non-offending school staff) have provided support and advocacy for kids in our community. I have been impressed with how many of these individuals are stepping up to provide the care our community needs.
According to national statistics, 1 in 7 children will experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Abuse affects children across all geographic, social, cultural, and economic boundaries. To address this critical issue, centers like ours in communities across Oregon provide critical services and supports. These centers offer safe, professional, and welcoming spaces where children can disclose their experiences and receive trauma-informed services designed to help them heal and thrive.
Due to the nature of our work, we are not able to confirm or deny involvement in any case that may be referred to us. Our job on all cases is to be a neutral source of evidence. Our forensic interviews are admissible in court and are conducted in a way that ensures accurate, quality information is gathered so it can be used for evidence, ensuring the best chance for justice for all involved. To remain neutral, we cannot engage publicly around allegations and/or disclosures of abuse in our community. We CAN be a resource to those who may have been impacted by possible abuse or neglect, and we welcome calls to provide support, offer referrals to services, and direct concerns to the appropriate party for reporting. This is the best way for us to engage in an unbiased manner.
To ensure that there is no bias in our assessments, or appearance of bias that could discredit our testimony in court, we can’t be as vocal as others are on public issues like the ones we are currently facing. But we ARE helpers, too. We are doing our utmost to keep doing our jobs to the best of our ability, to provide services and supports to any victim that needs it. Your continued support aids us in our work to do all that we can to “be the helpers” for Columbia County’s kids.
Amelia Kercher, Executive Director
What's New?
As we approach the end of 2024, the Amani Center team is reflecting with gratitude on the many positive changes over the last year. Because of the generosity and support of our many volunteers, financial supports and community partners, we’ve achieved so much together, such as:
– 197 children served
– 11 staff hired (filling vacancies and new positions)
– 5,331 services provided to children and families
We are anticipating a new year of celebration as the Amani Center reaches its 25th anniversary in 2025! We look back with appreciation to the many individuals who have been a part of the Amani Center mission, dedicating their time, energy and heart to serving vulnerable children over the last 25 years.
With plans to build a new Amani Center facility steadily moving forward, we can’t wait for the bright future ahead of us as we plot out an expanded physical space and services. With your continued support, we can achieve even more in 2025 to serve children with concerns of abuse in our community. If you’re one for making New Year’s resolutions, consider becoming a “Circle of Friends” monthly supporter to start the new year off right by doing good for vulnerable children in your community.
December Spotlight:
Recently, members of our communications and direct service teams met together to discuss the current case trends, challenges and triumphs that the Amani Center is experiencing right now. Here are a few key points that they covered:
1. One barrier that families sometimes face to receiving Amani Center services is that their unique situation does not yet meet the need for involvement from DHS or the Center. To help aid this issue, implementing early intervention education for parents and caregivers with a focus on prevention of abuse and neglect would bolster parental support. Educational resources are helpful to all parents. Increasing access to them and removing stigma of seeking help with parenting challenges is something that we passionately support.
2. One of the greatest successes of our direct service team (and the Center in general) is the ability of our staff to pivot and transition into different roles when needed. Many staff members are cross trained to cover different positions, allowing for flexibility in serving and caring for children and families at the Center. In one recent case, staff members quickly found resources and made accommodations for language barriers in order to better serve a family.
3. When asked what message our direct service team would like to share with the public, it was simple: “We are here for the kids”. The Amani Center is child-led and here to help suspected child abuse victims. We remain neutral and ask questions in a non-leading way to understand what has happened in the most forensic way possible. We’re confidential and private about our client’s information and we would never share if a family was seen here. Although we work together with DHS and law enforcement, we are not investigative and don’t have any say in the outcome of a case. We’re here for the safety and comfort of the kids, and want to see every child grow up healthy, loved and supported.
If you would like to join us in our efforts to “be there” for Columbia County’s kids, join in on our “Holidays of Hope & Healing” campaign and help support children on their journey to recovery and healing from abuse.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, December 7th – Breakfast with Santa
Calling all merry families! Get ready for a magical morning of holiday cheer! Join us for a delicious pancake breakfast and have a chat with Santa Claus. While the little ones write their cherished Santa letters, parents can relax and enjoy the festivities. There will be fun reindeer games to get everyone moving, plus a chance to decorate delicious sugar cookies. Best of all, proceeds from the event will benefit the Amani Center and the work we’re doing to support our community’s vulnerable children. Don’t miss this festive opportunity to create lasting memories and support a wonderful cause! Tickets are $8.00 if pre-purchased, or $10.00 at the door. Use this link to pre-purchase your tickets today!
Sunday, December 8th – Brunch with Santa
Ho ho ho! Mark your calendars for this heartwarming first annual family event “Brunch with Santa” coming up on Sunday, December 8th from 1:00-3:30 p.m. at 305 W. 3rd Street in Rainier. Enjoy an afternoon full of family fun with a pancake brunch, along with North Pole festivities including cookie decorating, reindeer games, a cocoa café and more. Make some magical holiday memories together, all while supporting the Amani Center! Tickets are $8.00 if pre-purchased, or $10.00 at the door. Use this link to pre-purchase your tickets now!