Ozark Family Resource Agency works with abused children. Specially trained interviewers talk to children referred by law enforcement, child protective services, and allied professionals, concerning allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. Our only focus is the Children! The child advocacy center operates with a "Child First" advocacy, which means we endeavor to make the child as comfortable as possible in a warm, nurturing environment when discussing, sometimes, the most traumatic event that has ever happened to them. It is seldom a stranger who abuses them, but, more likely, a family member or a person known to them. Talking about child abuse is difficult, but nothing compared to what a child experiences. We deal with children aged 2 to 17, and doing this work is challenging. We have a great volunteer who works with the kids- a specially trained black lab named Simon. As you see in the video, he is there for the children- to talk to, play with, offer support, and give unconditional love. When a child is crying, he gently puts his head in their lap or nuzzles their hand to be petted. For those of us working with these kids and experiencing vicarious trauma from the children's abuse, Simon's presence is equally reaffirming. He receives lots of hugs and kisses! Simon is now participating
in an inaugural, ground-breaking research grant through the University of Missouri
and National Institute of Health to document his interaction with these most vulnerable of victims.
Our focus is, and always has been, on the children, their needs and healing. We collaborate with a multidisciplinary team that strives to hold the perpetrators of child abuse accountable. We don't find ourselves looking at our building; we don't think about the roof, about the outside exterior because we are too busy helping broken children.
Our roof is beyond repair, it is over 30 years old. We have patched it several times, and it still leaks a steady stream into the children's waiting room/playroom. Now there are numerous kitchen trashcans placed strategically to catch the rainwater. The bowed ceiling is a serious safety concern. As a non-profit, we simply do not have the money for a new roof. Patching it is not working anymore. Please help us fix our roof, paint our building and make the room safe and welcoming for the children to play in. Thank you for your support!!
Make a difference in a life of a child. Childhood is a precious time. We are working diligently to make sure that children know that someone cares and that tomorrow can be a better day. Learn more about us at www.ofra.org.