During a recent government meeting, representatives from the Memphis Child Advocacy Center (CAC) presented a compelling overview of their critical work in supporting child victims of abuse. Craig Weiss, a long-time supporter and immediate past board chair, introduced Virginia Stallworth, the executive director, and Lydia Krivens, the deputy director, who detailed the center's operations and the challenges they face.

Stallworth emphasized the center's mission to provide safety, healing, and justice for children affected by severe abuse, noting that last year, the CAC reviewed over 3,600 reports of suspected abuse, primarily involving sexual abuse. She highlighted the alarming prevalence of child abuse across various socioeconomic backgrounds, citing the top reporting ZIP codes in Shelby County. The center collaborates with multiple agencies, including law enforcement and the Department of Children Services, to ensure a comprehensive response to child abuse cases.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the impact of funding cuts from the federal Victims of Crime Act, which has resulted in a $138,000 reduction over two years for the CAC. Stallworth explained that while they receive some funding from state contracts, the decrease in federal support poses a serious threat to their services.

In response to the presentation, several commissioners expressed their support for the CAC's work and proposed additional funding. Commissioner Beals initiated a motion to increase the center's funding, which was met with unanimous support from other commissioners, ultimately raising the total allocation to $22,500.

The meeting also featured discussions on other community initiatives, including a presentation by Travis Moody, CEO of Forward Memphis, a nonprofit aimed at combating predatory lending practices in the area. Moody outlined the organization's efforts to provide affordable loans and financial coaching to families in distress, emphasizing the need for immediate financial assistance to prevent individuals from resorting to high-interest payday loans.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners voted favorably on funding resolutions for both the Memphis Child Advocacy Center and Forward Memphis, reflecting a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of vulnerable populations in the community. The discussions underscored the importance of continued support for organizations dedicated to child welfare and financial stability in Memphis.