TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS: The Mechanics Cooperative Bank Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team are pleased to announce their support for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County with a $50,000 contribution to their Spreading Our Wings Campaign. This campaign will raise money specifically dedicated for building expansion and modernization that will allow the CAC to better serve at-risk youth in Bristol County.
This new building will include additional space for forensic interviews, medical services, administration, and a Survivors Art Gallery that will prominently feature the creativity of children and family members supported by the Children’s Advocacy Center. The organization has raised the more than $2.5 million from private donors to complete the project.
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County is a program of the Justice Resource Institute (JRI), a local 501(c)(3) non-profit agency. The Children’s Advocacy Center was established in 2007 and merged with JRI in 2017. The organization provides a coordinated response to disclosures and allegations of child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, commercial sexual exploitation/child trafficking and witness to violence, serving children (ages infant-18) and adults with intellectual disabilities (ages 18+) from any of the 20 towns and cities in Bristol County, MA.
President and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, Joseph T. Baptista Jr. commented “On the amazing work done by the CAC staff in direct support of both the children and families of Bristol County. Every family that is referred to the CAC is assigned a Family Advocate who serves as their support person to help navigate the multiple systems and agencies involved in protecting these children. The CAC and the dedication of their staff, are making a genuine difference in the lives of the children and families they touch, and Mechanics Cooperative Bank is proud to be a supporter.”
The CAC’s mission is to empower children and families to heal from the trauma of abuse and violence through community partnerships, education and the pursuit of justice. Three core program areas advance the CAC mission- further protecting and advocating for children after a disclosure of abuse, helping children and their families heal from trauma and educating the community about prevention.
We can all help identify and prevent child abuse. Some signs that a child is experiencing abuse are more obvious than others and suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact authorities. You do not need proof. Signs of child abuse can include acting out sexually, or knowledge of sex that is not age appropriate; self-destructive and risk-taking behavior (hair pulling, cutting, drug and alcohol use); returning to earlier behaviors (bedwetting, thumb-sucking); changes in school performance and attendance; nightmares/changes in sleeping; depression or unstable moods; new or unusual fear of certain people or places; separation anxiety; unexplained injuries; lack of personal hygiene or care; weight loss/gain, change in appetite; swelling, redness, soreness, bleeding, infections or other changes in the genital area; frequent headaches or stomach aches.
You can support the Children’s Advocacy Center through volunteerism or through direct donations. Please call 508-674-6111 or visit www.cacofbc.org for more details on how you can get involved.
About Mechanics Cooperative Bank
With total assets over $675 million, Mechanics Cooperative Bank offers a wide variety of personal and business deposit and loan products. As a Massachusetts co-operative bank, 100% of customers’ deposits are always fully insured. Established in 1877, Mechanics Cooperative Bank is Massachusetts’ second-oldest co-operative bank with nine conveniently located branches in Bridgewater, Taunton, North Dighton, Somerset, Swansea, Fall River, New Bedford, and Westport. For more information, call 1-888-MECHANICS (632-4264) or visit Mechanics-Coop.com. Member FDIC. Member DIF. Equal Housing Lender.
