It’s All About the Children in Rowan County
Terri Hess Child Advocacy Center
However, there are other areas that children may like to explore. We are lucky enough here in Rowan County to have agencies that work with kids and parents in various capacities. One such agency is Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, formerly known as Prevent Child Abuse Rowan, which is located in the at 130 Woodson Street Salisbury, NC.
I spoke recently with Ariella Sanchez, Family Advocate, with Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center and was able to get a tour of their facility. We, here in Rowan, are so lucky to have such a beautiful place for children and families to go that need various resources.
“Outside of being a very happy place for a very sad population, we offer resources for children and their families such as parenting classes. The community here has embraced supporting kids by funding us to be able to give the necessary therapy and support for children and their families”, Ariella shared.
The Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, along with their well-trained and knowledgeable staff, has a four-legged furry friend named Murphy. Murphy is a therapy dog that takes his job seriously by giving love to all! An interesting fact is that Murphy is a rescue dog from the Rowan County Animal Shelter. Murphy is there to let everyone know that they have a friend there at the house and that they are never alone.
Dr. Julie Chamberlain, President of the Board of Directors for the Terrie Hess House and Professor of Music at Catawba College told me “I think our Child Advocacy Center has never been in better shape and we are poised to expand and grow.”
Did you know that April is Prevent Child Abuse month? Well, it is, and the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center has several upcoming community events, listed below, that are for all ages, and you are all invited to come out and enjoy.
Bands, BBQ, and Brews Fest at New Sarum Brewing Company
Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 2-7 p.m
You can expect multiple musical talents there to entertain such as Sydney Lett, Paper Wasps, and Divided by Four! Also, JJ Langes’s Beatz and Eatz will be there serving awesome food to everyone.
Superhero Field Day at Knox Middle School
Saturday, April 16, 2022, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m
FREE ADMISSION!!! This is an annual community event with a ½ mile run for the children, games, snacks, and some fun entertainment. Children and their families are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superheroes! Come out and support the Terri Hess House with your attendance.
Food Truck Festival at the Terri Hess House
Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
This is the 2nd Annual Food Truck Festival which is a fundraiser for the Terrie Hess House. Delicious food will be available for purchase from food trucks such as Mambo Grill, Kettle Corn vendors, and multiple others. It’s a great way to support and get your belly full too!
Rowan County Social Services
After finishing with Ariella, she mentioned to me that Micah Ennis, Director of Rowan County Social Services, was one of the first members of the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center. So, I got in touch with Micha to get some information from her on what services they offer for children as well as other resources.
According to Micah there are many Rowan County public and private agencies, as well as civic and religious organizations that provide a variety of formal and informal supports for children and families. Rowan County Department of Social Services provides eligibility determination and case maintenance for income support services such as Medical Assistance, Food and Nutrition Services, Subsidized Child Care, Work First Family Assistance (cash assistance), and Energy and Water assistance programs.”
As I previously mentioned April is National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. Our county always adopts a proclamation. Micah stated that “raising children is tough under the best of circumstances, and we have been in far from ideal circumstances the last few years. Some of our community’s parents have tremendous family and social support, and others may not. Some of our citizens might find it more difficult to access services. Isolation and lack of support are risk factors for individuals and families.”
With all the above-listed activities being hosted by the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center it is very obvious that they want to partner with not just those in need, but with the entire community of Rowan County. Connecting with the community falls right in line with their messaging of “Every day, we help families and children thrive.”
Other resources available for the community are listed below:
- Families First-parenting programs, safe exchange, and visitation programs
704.630.0481 https://www.familiesfirst-ncinc.org/ - Nazareth Child and Family Connection-evidence based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults
704.636.5522 https://www.nazcfc.org/ - Partners in Learning-child daycare, parenting programs, resources on inclusion
704.638.9020 https://epartnersinlearning.org/ - Smart Start Rowan-great resources for parents and caregivers to help give their children a “smart start!”
704.630.9085 https://www.rowan-smartstart.org/ - Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center-parenting programs and more
704.639.1700 https://preventchildabuserowan.org/ - Don’t forget our public libraries and YMCA locations as fantastic resources for kids and families!
One last resource is to call “211”. Dialing this number will give you a multitude of information on resources available in the State of North Carolina.
If you know someone in need share this with them to see if they can get the assistance, they desire.
*For more information on the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center: Call 704-639-1700.
*For more information on the Rowan County Department of Social Services: Call 704-216-8330.
