Outreach & Education
The Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL provides community education on abuse prevention, recognition, and response, while actively participating in public and private events to raise awareness.
Community
The Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL provides community education for adults and children including: Stewards of Children by Darkness to Light, and Monique Burr Foundation child prevention education. These programs provide adults with education to better understand how to prevent abuse, recognize red flags, and know how to respond to a child who might disclose abuse; and children with the tools to protect themselves. Our Community Awareness and Outreach Team offers this education with the support of a generous donation from the Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation.
“1 in 10 children experience sexual abuse by their 18th birthday. The burden of prevention and protection must sit squarely on the shoulders of adults who are legally and morally responsible for the health and safety of children. Adult education is key to preventing child sexual abuse” (Darkness to Light, 2023).
Through the voices of survivors and expert guidance, Stewards of Children® provides adults with the tools needed to prevent child sexual abuse and create safer environments. This evidence-based training fosters awareness, accountability, and action to protect children within families, organizations, and communities.
The Stewards of Children® training is offered monthly in Fort Myers, and privately by request to organizations, church congregations, parent groups, and youth serving organizations.
This training helps adults:
- Prevent abuse by recognizing risks and implementing safeguards.
- Identify warning signs in children and adults.
- Respond appropriately to suspicions or disclosures.
Training Details:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Format: Survivor stories, expert insights, and interactive discussions.
- Availability: Open to the public or tailored for private groups and organizations, available virtually or in person.
Upcoming Events
- February 4 @ 1:00 pm at
- February 10 @ 2:00 pm at
- February 17 @ 1:00 pm at
- February 19 @ 9:00 am at Family Services Center
- February 24 @ 9:00 am at
- March 4 @ 9:00 am at Franklin Park Elementary-Community Partnership School
- March 5 @ 6:00 pm at Source of Light and Hope Development Center
- March 25 @ 2:00 pm at Franklin Park Elementary-Community Partnership School
- April 1 @ 9:30 am at Cape Coral – Lee County Public Library
- April 14 @ 12:00 pm at Family Services Center
Monique Burr Foundation:
Additionally, we offer Monique Burr Foundation’s comprehensive, age-appropriate prevention education for children in grades K-12, as well as youth in after-school and summer programs; designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to various safety threats, including bullying, abuse, exploitation, and digital dangers.
These programs help create safer environments for children and teens by fostering awareness, empowerment, and prevention strategies.
To find out more information or to request training for your organization, please contact our Outreach and Awareness Team at Outreach@cac-swfl.org.
MBF Child Safety Matters® is an evidence-based curriculum for elementary students (K-5) that teaches children and trusted adults how to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, abuse, and online risks.
MBF Teen Safety Matters® is an evidence-informed curriculum for middle (6-8) and high school (9-12) students that builds on the CSM approach, empowering youth to protect themselves and others from threats to their safety and well-being.
MBF After-School Safety Matters® is an evidence-informed program designed for youth in grades K-8 participating in after-school and youth-serving programs, providing critical safety education in a non-school setting.
"Canterbury School is truly grateful for the invaluable time and expertise provided by the MBF Child/Teen Safety Matters® program from the Monique Burr Foundation for Children. This program has opened up new and important conversations among our students and families, filling a gap that we didn't even know existed in our school's mission to enrich the lives of our students. We are proud to partner with MBF and look forward to continuing our collaboration to promote the safety and well-being of our students."
Jessica BensonDirector of Health and Safety at Canterbury School
Community Outreach Events
CAC frequently attends both public and private events within the community to raise awareness of our mission and services. Often, you can find one of our Beesley’s Paw Prints Pet Therapy Teams with us at our tables. A calendar of events can be found on our events page: https://www.cac-swfl.org/events/
Our Community partner and generous supporter.
References
- Darkness to Light. (2023). Our Education. Darkness to Light End Child Sexual Abuse. https://www.d2l.org/education/
- Monique Burr Foundation. (2023). MBF Child Safety Matters. Monique Buff Foundation for Children Prevention Education Programs. https://www.mbfpreventioneducation.org/why-use-our-programs/mbf-child-safety-matters/
- Monique Burr Foundation. (2023). MBF Teen Safety Matters. Monique Buff Foundation for Children Prevention Education Programs. https://www.mbfpreventioneducation.org/why-use-our-programs/mbf-child-safety-matters/
- Monique Burr Foundation. (2023). MBF After-School Safety Matters. Monique Buff Foundation for Children Prevention Education Programs. https://www.mbfpreventioneducation.org/why-use-our-programs/mbf-child-safety-matters/
Beesley’s Paw Prints
Beesley’s Paw Prints Pet Therapy program, funded by Ms. Carol Beesley through United Way, has been bringing healing and support to children and families since 2015.
Beesley’s Paw Prints
Pet Therapy Program
Our program has multiple areas of support including CAC Lobby Greeters, CAC Individual Therapy, Courtroom Support, and Community Partnerships. Each of our volunteer therapy dog teams are registered and insured through either Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Love on a Leash, or Pet Partners, and are required to provide proof of registration each year.
The Four Areas of Support
CAC Lobby Greeters
Calming support for families while waiting for forensic interviews.
CAC Individual Therapy
Peaceful presence for children as they heal in therapy.
Courtroom Support
Providing unconditional love while children testify in court and celebrating adoption days as children join their new families.
Community Partnerships
Reading programs at schools, visiting hospitals, nursing facilities, libraries, mental health centers, rehab facilities, and more.
Volunteer
If you have a therapy dog that is registered through a nationally recognized therapy dog organization, please reach out to our Pet Therapy Coordinators to learn more about volunteering at 239-939-2808 or beesleys@cac-swfl.org
