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Champions for Children

The Inter-Mountain photo by Brooke Binns Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center Board of Directors member Nathaniel Bonnell, left, and RTCAC Executive Director Margot Kubichek, right, present Rebecca Vance, director of the Family Resource Network, with the 2017 Champions for Children Professional award.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Brooke Binns Randolph-Tucker Children's Advocacy Center Board of Directors member Nathaniel Bonnell, left, and RTCAC Executive Director Margot Kubichek, right, present Rebecca Vance, director of the Family Resource Network, with the 2017 Champions for Children Professional award.

ELKINS — The Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center hosted its sixth annual Champions for Children event to recognize individuals who have been significant contributors to the organization’s progress and success.

The Champions for Children recognition awards originally were created as an effort to recognize the numerous professionals, volunteers, individuals and organizations who have supported the development and mission of the CAC.

Cindy Stemple, member of the RTCAC Board of Directors, said, “There are many who have contributed over the years and continue the work today of making sure children are safe — our policymakers who champion funding, the judges and lawyers who protect children’s rights, law enforcement officers who are out there investigating and arresting offenders, child protective service workers, mental health and medical professionals who help children process and heal from the trauma they’ve experienced, advocates who provide physical and emotional shelter and community members and organizations who volunteer, advocate, speak out and give.”

Since its establishment in 2003, the organization specializes in working with children who have been

victimized.

Executive Director Margot Kubichek said, “This year the CAC has made a conscious effort to be more visible in the community.”

The CAC provided forensic interviews, medical, mental health and advocacy services for approximately 150 children in year 2016. The advocacy center has the highest conviction rate in the state for child sex abuse.

“We’re delighted to set aside this time each year to recognize just a few of our local champions — people doing incredible work right here in Tucker and Randolph counties,” Stemple said.

The Community Partners award recognizes an individual or organization that has partnered and collaborated with the CAC, Department of Health and Human Resources, prosecutor’s office, law enforcement, education, advocacy or treatment agencies to assist in the protection of children.

Roxcella Owens was this year’s Community Partners award recipient.

Owens was recognized for the “extra attention to detail” that she has in all of her work as she goes to great lengths to serve the students of Tucker County High School. Owens has worked as secretary at TCHS for the past nine years.

The 2017 Samaritan award recognized two individuals for their exemplary service to the CAC — including volunteer time and providing resources that ensure the program’s success.

Beth Broschart, who has been reporting in Randolph and Tucker county for many years — covering a variety of stories — was one of this year’s award recipients.

Broschart was recognized for her journalistic talent that has aided in the awareness of the CAC model and prevention efforts the CAC and its partners bring to the community.

Additionally, Daniel Barkley was honored with the 2017 Samaritan award.

Barkley was recognized for his dedication to providing musical entertainment for the last three years at the CAC’s annual Champions for Children event.

The 2017 Champions for Children Professional award winner was Rebecca Vance, director of the Family Resource Network.

For this award, the CAC seeks nominations from professionals throughout Randolph and Tucker counties who demonstrates a passionate commitment to prioritize the protection, advocacy, care or success of children while still maintaining the integrity of families.

Serving as director of the FRN, Vance plays a significant role in planning, coordinating and carrying out events, initiatives and programs in the community.

Initiatives in place at the FRN that are under Vance’s leadership include the following: Substance Abuse Prevention, Merchant Education, Parents Who Host Lose the Most, National Kids Day, Baby Pantry Child Abuse Prevention and Randolph County Parents As Teachers.

Jennifer “JJ” Johnson, family service coordinator for Youth Health Service’s Strengthening Families Center said, “Rebecca shows an unwavering dedication to the children and families of Randolph County, not only because it’s her ‘job’ but because she has a genuine interest in improving the lives of our community’s biggest assets, our children and families.”

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