Sandy Barber’s Retirement Party

Barber 20th anniversary at FCCCAfter more than 22 years as the Executive Director of the Fannin County Children’s Center, Sandy Barber is retiring.  Including her prior experience at North Texas Youth Connection, Barber has worked in the nonprofit and child welfare field for more than 31 years.

The Board of Directors and staff of the Children’s Center will be hosting a Retirement Party for Barber on Wednesday, July 5.  All are welcome to join the celebration from 4:30 – 6:00 pm at the Roy Floyd Community Center at 1100 W. 5th in Bonham.

Barber’s family moved to Arlington, Texas when she was in sixth grade and she graduated from Martin High School.  Six weeks after graduating from Austin College in Sherman, Texas she married her college sweetheart, Bill Barber.  Together, they have three daughters, Jessica, Katie and Cassidy.

Barber said, “There have been LOTS of changes in the 22+ years I have been here at the Children’s Center.  Growth is definitely tops on that list.  When I started, we had 4 staff and an annual operating budget of about $145,000.  We now have 9 staff and a budget of more than $900,000.  We were located in an office space in which the rent was donated when I started.  In 2003 we purchased, renovated and moved into our current facility.  We currently have about 8 acres of land donated and we are working to raise the funds needed to build a new, larger facility.”

When Barber started, the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) was only about 18 months old in Fannin County and was considered a “developing center.”  Over her time at the center, mental health services were added to the CAC.  Other new services added during her tenure included the Rainbow Rooms (emergency clothing & resource closet) and child abuse prevention classes.  The CASA and CAC programs expanded and evolved over the years to keep up with the growing population in our community as well as the changing state and federal standards for CASA and CAC.  The annual Christmas and School Supply Drives also grew under her leadership thanks to generous donors.

“There have been many changes in technology too,” said Barber. “When I started, we had dial up internet, we did not have an agency website and social media was not even a thing.  Grants were submitted by mail and monthly grant billing was submitted by fax.”

“There have been LOTS of challenges along the way too,” said Barber.  “Some of those challenges have included the times we lost grants or had turnover with staff or partners.  The increasing state and federal standards from both CASA and CAC have been challenging too.  Juggling both CASA and CAC has also been part of the challenge at times.  No matter what the challenges have been, I would say I mostly worked to meet them by collaborating with our staff, board, volunteers, partners, donors and other supporters.  The nature of this work and our mission relies on a variety of folks coming together, giving and doing what they can, to make good things happen for kids from hard places.”

Barber said, “What I liked most about this job was definitely the difference we have made for hundreds of kids and families over the years.  I have been blessed to be able to play a small part in getting abuse to stop, healing to begin and in some cases, justice to be granted.  A close second would be the opportunity I had to help others in our community see how they too can make a difference for kids from hard places.  Whether I was inviting folks to donate, recruiting volunteers or board members, hiring and training staff or teaching folks how to recognize and respond to suspected child abuse, it was energizing to me to figure out how I can connect others to be a part of our important mission.  On the other hand, the thing I liked least was firing people.  No matter how deserved it was, I have never liked doing it.”

When asked what she would miss most, Barber said, “The people.  I will miss seeing kids skip down the hallway to go to their counseling sessions and the parties we had when kids got to go home or get adopted.  I will miss working closely with the dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, donors and board members too.”

Barber has been honored with many awards over the years.  In 2019, she won the Athena Leadership Award, which honors women in leadership and the Angels in Adoption Award, which included a trip to Washington DC.  Texoma Council of Governments named her the Regional Citizen of the Year in 2015 and the Bonham Chamber named her the Citizen of the Year in 2021.

In 2011, she won the Texas CASA Go Give Award.  “This was extra special to me because it recognized me for being a support and inspiration to my fellow CASA Executive Directors from across the state,” said Barber.  Bonham ISD has also named her a “Friend of Education” three different times over the years, including this year.

Barber served terms on the boards of Texas CASA, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas as well as many local organizations.  She was recently recognized for serving twenty years on the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee at the Texoma Council of Governments.

“It has truly been my honor and blessing to do this work for more than two decades,” said Barber.  “Now it is time for me to hand the baton on to the next leader.  I am really excited that Kim Skidmore has come back to the center to become our next leader.  I am confident the center will be in good hands with her.”

 

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Vendors Needed for Back to School Fair

Plans are underway for the 27th annual School Supply Drive and Fair hosted by the Fannin County Children’s Center.  The Children’s Center will once again be giving away free school supplies to Fannin County students on Saturday, August 5 from 9 am to noon.

This year’s event will once again include a Back-to-School Fair.  New this year is the fact that the event will happen at a different location: the Roy Floyd Community Center (Armory) at 1100 W 5th in Bonham.  The Center is seeking churches, non-profits, local businesses and other organizations to set up booths inside to give away free food, resources or information that could be helpful to children, youth and families.  The vendor application can be found on the agency website FanninCCC.org or by contacting Kesly at (903) 583-4339 or kesly@fanninccc.org.

The center will also be seeking donations to make this effort possible.  “As always, every contribution is appreciated and needed” said Sandy Barber, Executive Director of the Children’s Center. The center will accept donations of paper, notebooks, pencils, folders and other school supplies.  Barber said, “Donors can also donate cash and leave the shopping to us.  We will use it to buy what is most needed and we will stretch the donation farther by using our tax-exempt status when making the purchases.”

In all, the agency has given out free school supplies to more than 13,000 students in the last 26 years.  Organizers expect to serve 600-700 students again this year.  This effort depends on contributions and volunteer efforts from many generous and kind individuals, churches, businesses and other local organizations.

For more information, call (903) 583-4339 or go to www.fanninccc.org.

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New Director Announced

Kim Skidmore will be returning to the Children's Center as our new Executive Director

Kim Skidmore will be returning to the Children’s Center as our new Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Fannin County Children’s Center is pleased to announce that Kim Skidmore will be the next Executive Director of the local nonprofit that has been serving abused and neglected children for more than thirty years.

Soon after Skidmore graduated from Austin College in 2008, she came to work for the Fannin County Children’s Center as a CAC Program Specialist. In that role she learned how to do forensic interviews, family advocacy and multidisciplinary team coordination as part of the Children’s Advocacy Center. After nearly two years of service, Skidmore left the Children’s Center to move back to Dallas, where she grew up. She worked for another nonprofit for two years and then became an investigator for Child Protective Services. She eventually ended up at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center where she resumed her work as a forensic interviewer for more than nine years. She rose in the ranks of this work, becoming a leader and trainer in the field.

“While it is hard to see Sandy retire, the Board of Directors is thrilled to have Kim join our team,” said Bill Wilson, Children’s Center Board President. “She brings a wealth of Children’s Advocacy Center experience to the position, and she is a recognized expert in her field. Kim’s excitement is infectious, and she has a strong connection to the mission of the Center. Also, I want to thank the FCCC leadership and board members who served on the Search Committee. Their time commitment and passion for a thorough evaluation process is very much appreciated.”

“I feel so lucky to have come full circle and to be invited back to a community that ignited my passion for this work fifteen years ago,” said Skidmore. “I feel humbled to continue the work of Sandy’s legacy and feel honored to take the helm of such a growing community.”

After more than 22 years as the Center’s Executive Director, Sandy Barber is retiring effective June 30. “I am thrilled that Kim is returning to where it all began for her. She has a passion for serving kids from hard places as well as the skills, experience and knowledge to take the lead at the Children’s Center. It makes it easier for me to pass the baton on to the next director knowing that this center will be in very good and capable hands.”

Skidmore will start work on June 12, which will give her three weeks to learn from her predecessor. Even after Barber has left full time employment at the Center, plans include a consulting contract with the center so Barber can continue to support Skidmore as she grows into the leadership position. “My goal is to support Kim to the best of my ability to ensure a smooth transition,” said Barber.

The Board of Directors and staff of the Children’s Center will be hosting a Meet and Greet reception for Kim Skidmore on Wednesday, June 21. All are welcome to come and go from 4:30 to 6 pm at the center at 112 W. 5th in Bonham.

The Board of Directors and staff of the Children’s Center will also be hosting a Retirement Party for Sandy Barber on Wednesday, July 5. All are welcome to join the celebration from 4:30 – 6:00 pm at the Roy Floyd Community Center at 1100 W. 5th in Bonham.

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30th Anniversary Celebration

Jenna Quinn

Jenna Quinn

Around one hundred and fifty people were in attendance at the Complex in Bonham for a 30th Anniversary celebration and to honor the volunteers and partners of the Fannin County Children’s Center. Attendees included CASA advocates, investigators, prosecutors, therapists, forensic interviewers, caseworkers, attorneys, district judge, donors, board members and other volunteers and professionals involved in the child welfare and criminal justice systems in Fannin County.

Kelly LeBrun was named as the CASA Advocate of the Year. LeBrun has been a CASA advocate since 2017. CASA Program Director Julie Luton described she has experienced many joys, disappointments, successes and struggles along the way as she has advocated for 10 cases of children in foster care. LeBrun often worked two cases at a time and drove more than 9,000 miles in her volunteer work over the years.

Kelly LeBrun, CASA Advocate of the Year 2023

Kelly LeBrun, CASA Advocate of the Year 2023

Cody Shook with the Savoy Police Department was selected as the Multidisciplinary Team Member of the Year for the Children’s Advocacy Center. Members of the multidisciplinary team, which includes professionals from CPS, law enforcement, prosecution, medical and mental health, nominated and voted on the team member of the year. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Arnold and CPS investigator Shaterra Gunn were recognized for being finalists for the team member of the year award too. CPS Investigator Cody Trauer’s service dog Mathew received the “Goodest Boy Award” for bringing joy everywhere he goes.

Keira Prior was named the Children’s Center Volunteer of the Year. Volunteer Coordinator Kesly Chacon described how Prior volunteers with the annual School Supply and Christmas Drives and other ways around the office. Her cheerful smile and willingness to help get tasks completed in the Rainbow Rooms and around the center are greatly appreciated.

Executive Director Sandy Barber recognized current and previous board members and staff members of the Children’s Center as well as presented four Community Partner Awards. These awards were given to Fannin Bank, TXB/McCraw Oil, Glaser Family Charitable Foundation and 336th District Judge Blake. Each of these award winners have been dedicated partners with the Children’s Center in the pursuit of their mission of promoting safety and improving the lives of abused and neglected children and have helped the center reach its 30 year milestone.

Jenna Quinn was the guest speaker for the evening. She is a survivor of child sexual abuse who benefitted from a Children’s Advocacy Center in Texas. She shared some of her personal story and thanked all who were in attendance for the role they play in helping victims of abuse to recover. Quinn is also the namesake for “Jenna’s laws” which were first passed in 2009 in Texas to require child sexual abuse prevention education for students, teachers and caregivers.

The award-winning Bonham High School Choir, which recently returned from a trip to Nashville, entertained guests with a variety of songs at the beginning of the celebration. Paris Health Care Express provided a photo booth for guests. The catered dinner was served by the board members of the Children’s Center.

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Executive Director Retiring

After more than 22 years as the Executive Director of the Fannin County Children’s Center, Sandy Barber is retiring.  Including her prior experience at North Texas Youth Connection, Barber has worked in the nonprofit and child welfare field for more than 31 years.

When Barber stepped into the leadership role at the Children’s Center, the nonprofit had four employees and an annual operating budget of about $150,000.  Under her leadership, the agency has grown to nine employees and expanded services to kids from hard places.

“While the board is disappointed to lose Sandy, we fully support her decision to begin the next phase of her life journey,” said Bill Wilson, Board President.  “Sandy has graciously agreed to a long notice period while we search for a replacement and she will actively support the transition, once a replacement is hired.”

Barber plans to remain active in the community and looks forward to serving in different roles.

“It has been my joy and honor to do this work for so long,” said Barber.  “I am committed to doing my part to make sure the transition is smooth as possible.”

Anyone interested in applying for the Executive Director position is encouraged to visit the center’s website for more information: www.FanninCCC.org.

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Spring Bake Sale

The Fannin County Children’s Center is making plans for several celebrations and activities in the month of April. Not only will it be Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month, but April 2023 also marks the 30-year anniversary of serving children for this local nonprofit.

On Thursday, April 6, the Children’s Center is hosting an online Spring Bake Sale. This event is part of the 30-year celebration and all funds raised will benefit all the programs and services the center provides free of charge to victims of child abuse. Bidding will be online starting at 9 am and ending at 5:30 pm on Thursday, April 6. Winners can pick up their goodies at the center on Thursday evening from 5:30 – 7:00 pm or Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. This will be a great way to pick up some sweet, homemade treats for any family gatherings planned for the Easter weekend. The bidding link is available on the agency website.

Friday, April 14 is Go Blue Day in Texas. It is a day to wear blue in honor or memory of victims of child abuse. The center encourages folks to snap photos in their blue and post with hashtags such as #GoBlueForKids and #NoExcuseForChildAbuse.

On Thursday, April 27 the center is hosting a 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Complex in Bonham. Doors will open at 6 pm. The evening will include a catered dinner, guest speaker Jenna Quinn and awards. As a survivor who benefited from the services of a Children’s Advocacy Center, Jenna Quinn was first asked to speak in public and share her testimony as a young teenager. Since then, she has pioneered the national child sexual abuse prevention movement since 2004. She is also an author, TED speaker, trainer, and the namesake of Jenna’s Law legislation on the state and federal level. Tickets and tables will go on sale soon. Tickets and tables are on sale now.

Blue Sunday is April 30. This is a day for faith communities to say prayers for victims of child abuse as well as the professionals and volunteers who serve these young victims. Ideas and free resources are available at www.BlueSunday.org.

The Fannin County Children’s Center’s mission is promoting safety and improving the lives of abused and neglected children. The center started serving children in 1993 with the CASA program. In 1999, the Children’s Advocacy Center was started. Over the last 30 years, other programs and services have been added to better serve victims of child abuse and to prevent abuse. To learn more, go to www.FanninCCC.org or call (903) 583-4339.

Spring Bake Sale

30th anniversary invitation front

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April Activities

The Fannin County Children’s Center is making plans for several celebrations and activities in the month of April. Not only will it be Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month, but April 2023 also marks the 30-year anniversary of serving children for this local nonprofit.

On Thursday, April 6, the Children’s Center will be hosting an online Spring Bake Sale. This event will be part of the 30 year celebration and funds raised will benefit all of the programs and services the center provides free of charge to victims of child abuse. Bidding will be online starting at 9 am and ending at 5:30 pm on Thursday, April 6. Winners can pick up their goodies at the center on Thursday evening from 5:30 – 7:00 pm or Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. This will be a great way to pick up some sweet, homemade treats for any family gatherings planned for the Easter weekend. Anyone wishing to donate baked goods should contact Amira, Kesly or Sandy at (903) 583-4339 or info@fanninccc.org. The bidding link will be posted on the center’s website at www.FanninCCC.org and social media pages.

Friday, April 14 is Go Blue Day in Texas. It is a day to wear blue in honor or memory of victims of child abuse. The center has blue shirts available for purchase, but any blue shirt will do. The link to the online store is available on the center’s website www.FanninCCC.org and social media pages. Shirts must be purchase by 3 pm on March 28 and will be available for pick up at the Center by April 4, in time for Go Blue Day. Shirts can be also shipped for a fee.

On Thursday, April 27 the center will be hosting a 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Complex in Bonham. Doors will open at 6 pm. The evening will include a catered dinner, guest speaker Jenna Quinn and awards. As a survivor who benefited from the services of a Children’s Advocacy Center, Jenna Quinn was first asked to speak in public and share her testimony as a young teenager. Since then, she has pioneered the national child sexual abuse prevention movement since 2004. She is also an author, TED speaker, trainer, and the namesake of Jenna’s Law legislation on the state and federal level. Tickets and tables will go on sale soon. Information will be available soon on the center’s website and social media pages.

Blue Sunday is April 30. This is a day for faith communities to say prayers for victims of child abuse as well as the professionals and volunteers who serve these young victims. Ideas and free resources are available at www.BlueSunday.org.

The Fannin County Children’s Center’s mission is promoting safety and improving the lives of abused and neglected children. The center started serving children in 1993 with the CASA program. In 1999, the Children’s Advocacy Center was started. Over the last 30 years, other programs and services have been added to better serve victims of child abuse and to prevent abuse. To learn more, go to www.FanninCCC.org or call (903) 583-4339.

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2023 Art Contest Winners

2023 First Place Winner

2023 First Place Winner

Fifteen-year-old Miranda Verde of Trenton took home the top prize in the Open Your Heart Art Contest sponsored by the Fannin County Children’s Center. She won $100 and a blue ribbon for her artwork that will now be featured on the front of the Open Your Heart campaign cards. Fourteen-year-old Ryan Compton of Dodd City won a second place ribbon and $50. Her artwork will be featured on the inside of the cards.

The winning artwork will be featured in the upcoming fundraising campaign for the Children’s Center. Funds raised will provide a wide array of support service to children, youth and families recovering from abuse and neglect, including CASA, the Children’s Advocacy Center, Rainbow Room and child abuse prevention and education efforts. As a non-profit, the center relies on grants and donations to be able to offer their services for no cost to victims of child abuse and neglect.

2023 Second Place Winner

2023 Second Place Winner

CASA recruits, screens, trains and supervises volunteer advocates for children in foster care. Children’s Advocacy Center facilitates a multidisciplinary team of public and private agencies involved in the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse. The Rainbow Room provides new clothes, shoes, diapers, coats and other items to children served by CASA, Children’s Advocacy Center and Child Protective Services. Trained staff also are available to train children, youth and adults in child abuse prevention education. To make a donation, learn about volunteer opportunities, schedule a prevention class or read more about the center, go to www.fanninccc.org.

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Free Class

RandRThe Fannin County Children’s Center is offering free training for adults to learn how to recognize and respond child abuse. The class is designed for parents, teachers, other school personnel, day care workers, coaches, Sunday School teachers and other professionals and volunteers who work with children.

“Recognizing & Reporting” is a 1.5 hour class that utilizes video, class discussion and case studies. Learning objectives include: the realities of child abuse, detailing who becomes victims, who the likely perpetrators are and the prevalence of abuse in all communities, the legal definitions, signs and symptoms of child abuse, how to communicate with a child who makes a disclosure of abuse, how to make a report and how to overcome one’s fear’s and barriers around reporting. This class will be offered on Monday, March 6, 2023 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at the Children’s Center at 112 West Fifth Street in Bonham.

All participants who successfully complete the class will receive a certificate. There is no charge for the classes, thanks to generous support from local donors. Seating is limited and advanced registration is required. Registration is available online at www.FanninCCC.org.

The Fannin County Children’s Center is a private, non-profit organization. Its mission is promoting safety and improving the lives of abused and neglected children. Programs include CASA, Children’s Advocacy Center and child abuse prevention efforts.

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Volunteer Info Session

The Fannin County Children’s Center is seeking volunteers for a variety of roles, including CASA advocates for children in foster care, CAC volunteers who supervise children and families at the center, Rainbow Room volunteers who organize clothing and other supplies, Honey Doers who help with minor repairs and maintenance and Hospitality Team who prepare food for various meetings and trainings.

CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is one of several programs offered by the Fannin County Children’s Center for the benefit of abused and neglected children. CASA is seeking adult volunteers who can complete training and pass background checks to be appointed by the 336th District Court to serve as Guardian ad Litem for children in foster care.

In that role, CASA volunteers regularly visit their assigned child or sibling group and gather information from parents, other family, teachers, medical personnel, therapists and others in order to make recommendations to the court on what will be in the child’s best interest. They prepare court reports and testify at court hearings too. Many CASA advocates successfully manage to volunteer while also working full time and spending time with their families.

The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is another program of the Children’s Center. Compassionate CAC volunteers are needed to supervise children, youth and families who are at the center for interviews or counseling. Other volunteers are needed for tasks not directly working with children, such as organizing clothes and other items in the Rainbow Room, helping with light repairs and maintenance of the building and preparing food for various meetings and trainings.

There will be an informational session on Tuesday, February 7 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the center. Information about all the volunteer opportunities available at the center will be reviewed, as well as information about the application process and training requirements. Attendance at the information session is not a requirement to become a volunteer, however, it is a helpful step to learning more about what it takes to be a volunteer and give an opportunity to ask questions. Attending the info session will not obligate anyone to become a volunteer.

The next training sessions for CASA volunteers will start March 7. Participants will gain knowledge and learn skills needed to become an advocate for abused children in foster care.

Applications are now being accepted for all types of volunteers at the Children’s Center. The deadline to apply to be in the next CASA training class is Feb 28. For more information about the Children’s Center and the volunteer opportunities, visit www.fanninccc.org and/or call (903) 583-4339.

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