When a child discloses that they have been sexually abused, a family’s world is turned upside down. Caregivers may feel scared, confused and alone, unsure of where to look for help. All they know is that they must do everything they can to protect their child and help them heal. This is the unfortunate reality for countless families every year. Child sexual abuse is a silent epidemic, and it can have devastating consequences for its victims. But there is hope. Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center (ChicagoCAC) is a lifeline for children who have experienced sexual abuse or other serious maltreatm ..read more

As a passionate mission and metrics-driven leader with a strong background in strategic planning, fundraising, and marketing we are excited to welcome Nakia Kyler to our team. As the Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Nakia is responsible for fostering a culture of philanthropy by leading the design and oversight of all fundraising and communication activities. Before joining ChicagoCAC, Nakia was the Chief Engagement and Equity Officer at the West Michigan Partnership for Children. She drove the agency’s overarching vision to advance DEIAB efforts while strengthening organizational gr ..read more

During Child Abuse Prevention Month this year, we’re asking you to paint one of your pinky fingernails blue as a Pinky Promise to represent and raise awareness for the 1 in 10 children who will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18. If people ask you about your painted fingernail – because of course they will! – here’s a few approaches, tips and conversation starters to help them learn more about the issue and join you in becoming a safe, supportive person for the youth around you. Know the facts. Over 90% of abuse occurs with someone the child knows well. Know how to get help. Call the ..read more

Our own Char Rivette, Chief Executive Officer, and Jason Wynkoop, Chief Program Officer, Advocacy, & Investigative Services, have been in the news recently talking about ChicagoCAC, the need for healing from trauma, and violation of privacy. First, Rivette was on WBEZ’s Reset on August 17 to talk about ChicagoCAC’s new initiative, CAN Hope, and the need to provide survivors of sexual and domestic violence a place to heal. You can listen to Rivette speak here. Next, Wynkoop was asked to comment on a piece of news involving an invasion of privacy on women who accused a man of groping them. T ..read more

If you need something around ChicagoCAC, your first stop is likely our Facilities and Operations Manager, Erika Lester. She chatted with us about how working with ChicagoCAC aligns with her desire to make a difference for children and families and in communities. What brought you to ChicagoCAC? What keeps you here? I was looking for advancement in my career and wanted to continue working with children and adolescents. My bachelor’s degree is in science with a concentration in community health, and prior to coming to ChicagoCAC, I was a supervisor at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospita ..read more

ChicagoCAC is committed to serving children who have been trafficked and every case we receive is reviewed for red flags of human trafficking. Earlier this month, our Human Trafficking Therapist, Courtney Bunn, MSW, LCSW, was interviewed for a story with Scripps News Network that was also picked up by ABC News Affiliates. “That image that people have of somebody in chains, you know, tied to a bed, something like that, just isn’t the most common situation. More so what we’re seeing is somebody in close relationship [with the victim] being the facilitator of the exploitation,” Cou ..read more

Nathaniel Williams is the Transportation & Support Services Manager at ChicagoCAC, but he’s so much more to staff and clients. He is often the first person we meet when arriving at ChicagoCAC, the person we go to when we need help, and the person who keeps the center running smoothly. We wanted to highlight Nathaniel this month and ask him about his favorite moments at ChicagoCAC. What brought you to ChicagoCAC? What brought me to the ChicagoCAC was the position. While looking for employment, I sought a position that would allow me to develop as a leader and a space where I would make a di ..read more

This month, we wanted to highlight Bilingual Forensic Interviewer, America Arroyo. Her passion for helping kids get justice and tell their story led her here to ChicagoCAC. However, it was her kind heart and generosity that we wanted to share with everyone. What do you do at ChicagoCAC? I started working at the CAC last year as a family services coordinator and recently transitioned to work as a bilingual forensic interviewer! Before starting work here, I didn’t even know what a forensic interviewer was. But when I found out, I knew I wanted to work in that field. What does a typical day look ..read more

ChicagoCAC’s Associates Board is a group of young professionals who are passionate about raising funds and awareness for the center. They do this through service projects, community outreach, and periodic fundraisers. Their 2022 summer fundraiser, Night Under the Lights, is happening on August 23 from 5 – 8 PM at River Roast in downtown Chicago and is an opportunity for the group to share more about the organization while having fun networking with their peers. We talked to Associates Board President Sam Harvey, Vice President Kelly Spresser, Secretary Rebekah Siliezar (all pictured above), an ..read more

Iszy Martinez is a Bilingual Child Life Assistant and Facility Dog Handler at ChicagoCAC. Their role ensures clients feel safe, comfortable, and looked after during the client visit. On top of all of that, they are also part of a team that takes care of Mac, our facility dog. Iszy’s caring and compassionate nature has made them the perfect addition to ChicagoCAC and the Child Life Team. We asked them a few questions about their role, Child Life, and the importance of their work. What is your role at ChicagoCAC? Bilingual Child Life Assistant and Facility Dog Handler What is Child Life? Child L ..read more