Demonstrating his commitment to being a good steward for the community, Marcus Chambers, Okaloosa County School Superintendent, recently donated $25,000 from his unused campaign funds. to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). The donation will greatly benefit ECCAC’s vital programs, such as the Safety Matters prevention program which teaches children in local schools how to recognize and respond to unsafe situations.
Chambers shared with the ECCAC staff, “Investing in the ECCAC is an investment in our community’s future. Their transformative mission is to heal and support traumatized children, restore lost innocence, and instill hope. Together, we can make a profound difference, ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and understood.”
Julie Porterfield, CEO of ECCAC, who accepted the donation on behalf of the organization, expressed deep gratitude for the impact his contribution will have on the Center's work. She commented, “This gift will make a significant difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. We offer the support they need to heal and find hope again. Our therapy and advocacy teams walk alongside children who have suffered abuse. Marcus Chambers' generosity will enable us to continue this essential work.”
Providing a safe environment for kids to feel seen, heard and understood, ECCAC offers services in a child-friendly environment to help identify, treat, and support children in abusive situations, as well as helping to prevent child abuse through education and prevention programs. Last year alone, ECCAC assisted 1,585 kids, and 17,480 students received Safety Matters prevention education in area schools. This past year, ECCAC added a new program that is targeted to help families, CARES. It stands for Community Awareness, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support. Though ECCAC does not house children, they provide services to children and their families at no cost in their Okaloosa and Walton County centers.
For more information, visit www.eccac.org, If abuse is suspected, report it by calling the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
