Grand Opening of the Center for Alexandria's Children

The Center for Alexandria’s Children (CAC), a community collaboration led by ACT, celebrated its grand opening with over 100 members of the community, including former Governor of Virginia Mark Warner, Rep. James P. Moran (D-VA), Mayor Bill Euille, and members of Alexandria City Council. The event was the culmination of six years of collaborative planning by a number of private and public stakeholders, committed to improving the City of Alexandria’s child welfare service delivery system.    ACT took a leadership role in moving this community need from compelling idea to a vibrant Center over the past two years.

The Center is a safe, child-friendly, centralized facility for the treatment, investigation, and prevention of child abuse. “The Center for Alexandria’s Children is an important addition to our City’s social service network,” said founding Chairman Nigel Morris. “Bringing together the key public and private experts will help make sure children and families get the help they need to heal.”  Vicky Youcha, Executive Director of the CAC, spoke of the many organizations that came together to serve children and noted that the true mission of the Center is to “serve the best interest of the child by providing a collaborative, team approach to provide effective care for each child.”

Debra Collins, City of Alexandria, also recognized ACT board members Allison Cryor DiNardo, Lauren Garcia, Lori Morris, and Jonelle Wallmeyer for their foresight in bringing a national child advocacy model to Alexandria. Said Ms. Collins, “By including an enhanced prevention component and partnering with  organizations providing parent education and other family support programs, the CAC will effectively strengthen vulnerable children and their families."

Gov. Mark Warner was quick to remind everyone there is still more work to be done.  He urged everyone to get involved by spreading the word about the CAC, volunteering, donating supplies, or contributing financially to support the center. He concluded by saying, “The Center for Alexandria’s Children is an investment in our community and our children’s future” and then presented a check to the Center for Alexandria’s Children for $25,000 on behalf of the Collis Warner Foundation.

To learn more about the Center for Alexandria’s Children, please visit: www.centerforalexandriaschildren.org or call 703-838-4381.