Check Out Rachael DeWitt’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael DeWitt.

Rachael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey at the Children’s Advocacy Center started in 2010 when I was placed here as an intern for my masters of social work program. I fell in love with the clients, the work, and the model. I had the opportunity to stay on as a staff member following my internship. During that time, I did every job including forensic interviewing, helping out on medical exams, victim advocacy, and of course counseling. Once I started growing my family, I significantly reduced my hours and stayed engaged as a contract therapist. In 2023, the opportunity to become the executive director became available. I was not planning on this however felt called to the role. I know I am doing exactly what is meant for me in this season of life and believe I am uniquely equipped given my experience with the organization.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Even through inevitable challenges, I have never wavered in my confidence or peace that I am living out my purpose. I continue to carry a small case load which keeps me connected to the mission. When I am dealing with a difficult situation at the director level, I remember who I am doing this for. I have names, faces, and stories that inform the way I move as director.

There are many people who do not understand child sexual abuse or prefer to believe it doesn’t exist. The nature of our work can make people uncomfortable and it is easier to look away. Many in our community seem to think they are immune to the possibility of victimization however child sexual abuse does not discriminate. One of my greatest challenges has been reducing shame and stigma around our work.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We know that 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday and this is why the Children’s Advocacy Center exists. We address the issue through prevention and intervention. We reach nearly 19,000 elementary age kids and 1,500 adults a year with prevention messaging. When abuse is reported for the 1 in 10, we build a multidisciplinary team of professionals around the child and family including law enforcement, child protective service workers, doctors, therapists, advocates, and prosecuting attorneys. We are with these kids and their families every step of the way as they navigate life post disclosure of abuse.

Specific services we offer include forensic interviews, counseling, problematic sexual behavior screenings, medical exams, family advocacy, support with the court process, school-based prevention, and community outreach.

I am so proud that we are able to offer all of our services free of charge. Beyond that, we have a bright, child-centered, colorful facility and the most compassionate, highly-skilled team of professionals. I love how our team and facility communicate dignity and worth to those we serve. No matter what happened to the child and regardless of ability to pay, we get to tell kids and families they are deserving of the healing that happens here.

I am also incredibly proud that in the past year, we have added 4 Spanish bilingual/bicultural staff members to our team. We have transformed our ability to connect with our Spanish-speaking community and ensure that we are living out our mission of child abuse prevention and intervention inclusive of all.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories all center around spending time with my grandma – baking, shopping, playing cards, going out to eat, singing, and sleepovers. She was truly the great love of my life and I miss her so much. I wish she could be here to see me now. She always wholeheartedly believed that I could be president of the United States. While I have not achieved that, I know she would be so proud of me. I think of her everyday. I often think about how different life would be for my clients if they too had a Grandma Addie, someone that believed in them so fiercely, cheered them on, unconditionally loved them, and provided a steadfast safety net.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cac-ottawa.org
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