A lot of people had a part in making a new spacious building a reality for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County, and a lot of people showed up Wednesday afternoon for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and to tour the new facility at 1854 Cain Dr. in Lewisville.

“I would estimate that we had 500 people walk through the agency between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday for the grand opening,” said Dan Leal, CACDC executive director. “We had an additional 100 people here for the VIP reception the night before.”

The new 14,000-square-foot facility provides needed space for several agencies that were crowded in the previous location. Partner agencies in new building include the Children’s Advocacy Center staff, a Child Protective Services investigative unit, staff from the District Attorney’s Office, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office, sexual assault nurse examiners, and shared space for other law enforcement agencies.

The majority of children who receive services at the center have been victims of child abuse. The center also offers services to non-offending family members of the abused children.

Charles Stafford, the first CACDC board president, told the crowd that the organization has come a long way from the one room facility it used initially 15 years ago.

“We had no money, we had no staff. We only had a dream,” he said. “Our first office was the spare room at Ruben Cagle’s bail bond office. Who would have thought then that we would be standing here today?”

He added, “About 15 years ago, I found myself in the company of a dozen people, more or less, who realized that the system in use for dealing with child abuse was not working, and they were going to do something about it. They formed a task force and roughed out a plan to overhaul a dysfunctional system. I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the formation of the initial board of directors of the CACDC.”

He continued, “I have heard it said that a society can be judged by how it treats its weakest members. I can tell you that I am proud beyond words to have been associated with such a fine group of people as you who have supported this idea and grown the center into what it is today.”

He concluded, “Countless young lives will be better for what you have done, and I think that many futures will be brighter, thanks to your efforts.

Denton County Judge Mary Horn told the crowd, “This particular project is the culmination of tremendous effort and generosity, and the enthusiastic support of a long list of individuals and agencies. The far-reaching effect on the lives of those served by this center is wonderful, but we need to also keep in mind the far reaching effect it has on our community as a whole. The valuable services provided at this center not only assist people through a very traumatic time in their lives, but those served here will ultimately end up leading a happier, more productive life.”

She added, “Unfortunately, as our population increases, there is a corresponding increase in child abuse. Clearly, this center is prepared to meet that demand, and that is good for all of Denton County and Texas.”

Caleb O’Rear, current CACDC board president, said, “Today is a celebration for this agency, as we now can provide a place for our staff and partner agencies to combat child abuse. It is also a place of dignity for our children and families to receive services during a difficult time in their lives.”

O’Rear thanked a long list of people who had helped the new facility to become a reality.

He emphasized, “It is important that each of you know that our work at the Children’s Advocacy Center is not done because we have moved into a new facility. Because of the increasing number of children needing services at this agency, the board of directors made the difficult decision to build this building without all of the money having been raised. About $700,000 is needed to pay off the debt on this building, and we need your help to eliminate this obligation.

O’Rear noted that personalized bricks and room sponsorships are still available.

The invocation was given by the Rev. James Jenkins, a CACDC board member and associate pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in The Colony.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 26 of Flower Mound, which had provided furniture and books for the center, presented the flags. Everett Eads, son of County Commissioner Andy Eads, led the crowd in pledges to the U.S. flag and the Texas flag.

Several county officials were on hand, as were officials from several cities in the county.

A representative of U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess presented a flag which had been flown over the U.S. Capitol on June 12, the day the CACDC occupied the new building. Also, a representative of State Sen. Jane Nelson’s office presented a flag which had been flown over the state capitol.


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