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Tuesday, March 21, 2023Funds raised at ECCAC’s signature gala and golf weekend surpasses all previous records
The community, sponsors and supporters of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) rallied at this year’s Gala in the Garden and Golf Weekend to raise an impressive $685,000. This substantial amount broke all previous records at ECCAC’s annual signature event that has been ongoing for 24 years. Julie Porterfield, ECCAC CEO commented, “We are so thankful for the incredible generosity of our sponsors and guests. The weekend benefited children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties to help ECCAC provide
Thursday, March 16, 2023Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center is there for the kids …April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National abuse statistics are alarming. According to the National Children’s Alliance, the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers, nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S. annually. Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment with 75% suffering from neglect, 17.2% from physical abuse, and 8.4% from sexual abuse. About 4 out of 5 abusers are the child victim’s parents. With National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, it brings to light the fact that many do
Monday, February 06, 2023Mark your calendars for ECCAC’s signature Gala in the Garden and Golf Weekend
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is putting on their annual signature Gala in the Garden and Golf Weekend, this year presented by George and Janice Hendricks. The Gala features a cocktail hour starting at 5:30 p.m., with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Guests will enjoy dinner and live entertainment by popular local musicians, The Will Thompson Band, live auction, as well as a featured guest speaker. The Gala is an
Monday, January 23, 2023ECCAC Hires New CARES Program Manager
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently announced that Debra “Debi” Riley-Broadnax will be joining their team as the non-profit’s new CARES Program Manager. In this newly established position as Manager, Riley-Broadnax will be responsible for creating, managing and sustaining the CARES Program. CARES stands for Community, Awareness, Resources, and Support. The CARES Program is being established because of the need for elevating ECCAC’s community abuse prevention education in Okaloosa
Tuesday, December 13, 2022Holiday Gifts for Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center
Over the years, the Flying Needles Quilt Guild in Niceville has donated Christmas stockings and quilts to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC), and the organization is doing it again this year. In addition to ECCAC, other organizations who received these home-made gifts of stockings, quilts, blankets, pillowcases and drawstring bags are Children in Crisis, Catholic Charities and the Northwest Florida Guardian Ad Litem Foundation. The Guild also supports the Quilt of Valor Foundation by
Wednesday, November 30, 2022Lee Curtis Joins ECCAC
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) officially announced that Lee Curtis has joined their team as the non-profit’s head of Marketing and Donor Advancement. In this role, she will be leading the marketing efforts of ECCAC’s Centers in Okaloosa and Walton Counties and will be closely working with their donors. A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Curtis has lived along the Emerald Coast for the past 19 years. With a degree in Business Administration, she worked in the banking world with Regions
Monday, October 31, 2022Christmas is coming to ECCAC… You can make a difference by helping to stock the toy room for kids
It’s not too early to start planning for this year’s Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) Holiday season to help children in need. This year, ECCAC is creating a toy room for their families and agency partners to “shop” for children from newborn, up to 18 years old. Bring unwrapped gifts, and Christmas wrapping paper for the gifts, by November 30th, or sooner. Check out gift ideas to purchase for all age groups in the events section of ECCAC’s website, www.eccac.org. Deliver to either the
Wednesday, October 12, 20229th annual Crust/Thompson 31Fifty Winery Dinner helps children at ECCAC
On a recent pleasant fall evening, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) benefited from a dinner hosted by Mark and Kim Fressell, proprietors of Crust Artisan Bakery in Santa Rosa Beach, and Mike and Val Thompson, owners of their Thompson 31Fifty Winery located in California’s Russian River Valley. From appetizers to desserts, with wine pairings, a sumptuous 7-course meal was served to 15 couples who bid on this dinner at last spring’s live auction at ECCAC’s signature Gala. ECCAC CEO Julie
Wednesday, September 14, 2022Well-earned honor for Julie Porterfield at Niceville Children’s Advocacy Center
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy (ECCAC) CEO Julie Porterfield was recently surprised with a note-worthy honor to recognize her years of loyal service. At an ECCAC Board of Directors meeting last month, President Janet Parker announced that as a result of Porterfield’s 23+ years of dedication, founding and running ECCAC, the Board unanimously approved that the Niceville Center will be re-named “Julie Sacco Porterfield Children’s Advocacy Center”. Porterfield’s response to the surprise Center naming
Monday, August 15, 2022Blake Morar Joins ECCAC Board
Blake Morar recently became a member of Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) Board of Directors. A Santa Rosa Beach resident, Morar co-owns Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty that offers luxury real estate from Destin to Panama City Beach. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Morar earned a degree in marketing from Louisiana Tech University. He then relocated to the Destin area in 1996 and found his passion in real estate. In his free time, Morar enjoys paddle boarding, bike riding and
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Wednesday, July 20, 2022Niceville Children’s Advocacy Center Severely Damaged
It was a good news, bad news scenario when a fire occurred at the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) 23-year-old location in Niceville that provides healing and protection to area children experiencing abuse and neglect. ECCAC’s CEO Julie Porterfield commented, “We are just incredibly sad and devastated that our Niceville Center suffered significant damage Saturday, July 16. Although there was much water damage from the fire sprinkler system, it prevented a what could have been a
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Thursday, July 14, 2022Child & Teen Safety Matters Goes Back to School with the Students
It’s back to school time and the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) prevention team is ready. They have had their Child & Teen Safety Matters prevention programs in place for the past several years. Each year, ECCAC’s staff educates and empowers Okaloosa and Walton students with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of abuse, and digital abuse dangers. Curriculum is available for students K-12. According to
Monday, July 11, 2022Niceville Children’s Advocacy Center to Undergo Expansion
After 22+ years of accommodating the needs of the original Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) in Niceville, Fla., it’s time to expand to provide additional space to better enable services to children experiencing abuse and neglect. The Center’s existing 13,000-square-foot, child-friendly facility doesn’t house children, but is set up with a multidisciplinary team of child protection personnel, prosecutors, law enforcement, DCF, therapists, as well as ECCAC staff and volunteers to provide
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Monday, June 27, 2022Dr. Dennis Lichorwic Joins of ECCAC Board
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) Board of Directors recently announced Dr. Dennis Lichorwic as its newest board member. Lichorwic is well-known in the community and a practicing cosmetic dentist. He founded the Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in 1999. With great success over the years, he now has offices and cosmetic dentistry staff serving clients in Destin, Navarre and Panama City. As a respected member of the dental community, Lichorwic maintains membership in a number of
Thursday, June 09, 2022ECCAC Looking for Front Desk Volunteers at Both Centers
Both Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs are in need of front desk reception volunteers. The front desks at both centers are staffed entirely by volunteers so that the paid staff can be free to assist the children and families through the process of healing. Volunteers are the first people the children and visitors see when they step into the centers. These volunteers are responsible for meet and greets, monitoring children while parents and caregivers are
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Thursday, April 28, 2022Speaking Up for Child Victims of Abuse and Neglect Meet Teen Giselle McLaughlin
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) wants to introduce the community to a young lady who is wise beyond her years. Meet 13-year-old Giselle McLaughlin, an 8th grade student at Liza Jackson Preparatory School in Ft. Walton Beach. Julie Porterfield, CEO of ECCAC, met Giselle at their Niceville Center when she presented a $280 donation check to Porterfield. It seems that Giselle is taking an in-depth look at Florida foster care for her school “Graduation By Demonstration” (GBD) project. GBD
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Thursday, April 21, 2022Cory Fosdyck receives Zeke Bratkowski Advocate Award
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently named Cory Fosdyck as its 3rd Annual Zeke Bratkowski Advocate Award winner, during its annual Gala. Hall of Famer Zeke Bratkowski was a famous NFL professional football player and an assistant coach in the NFL for over two decades. He passed away in 2019 and was a passionate supporter of ECCAC, founding the non-profit’s first Gala and Golf Tournament in 1999. Three years ago, ECCAC developed this annual prestigious award that goes to a
Thursday, March 31, 2022Volunteers Needed in Both Children’s Advocacy Center Locations
Tuesday ◊ April 26 – Niceville CenterThursday ◊ April 28 – DeFuniak Springs Center6 – 7:30 p.m. The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) in Niceville and the Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center (PFCAC) in DeFuniak Springs are in need of volunteers. One of the ways to help ECCAC is to volunteer in numerous capacities at either of their Centers, or volunteer at events in the area that benefit them. That’s why on April 26 and 28, ECCAC is going to host a Volunteer Fair at each Center with
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Tuesday, March 29, 2022April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
“Every year we try to create awareness of April being National Child Abuse Prevention month and the services that ECCAC can offer to child victims. It is imperative that everyone do their part to help protect children. Prevention is the best protection against child abuse,” explained Julie Porterfield, Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center CEO National abuse statistics are alarming. According to the National Children’s Alliance, the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy
Wednesday, March 09, 2022Crafters Group from Ft. Walton Beach Snowbird Club Donate Children’s Items to ECCAC for the Past 10 Years
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently received donations of thoughtful hand-made gifts for the children from the Crafters group of the Ft. Walton Beach Snowbird Club. The Crafters gave dolls with handcrafted clothes, animals, blankets, pillows, and more. “This is the 10th year we have received special donations from the FWB Snowbird Club,” said Julie Porterfield, ECCAC CEO. “We know all these gifts are made with love by the Crafters, and we get to see Alicia Kime each year, she has
Wednesday, March 02, 2022ECCAC Focus on Prevention Programs: March is National Nutrition Month
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) undertakes a prevention/awareness program each month related to the health and well-being of children and teens. March is National Nutrition Month. It is considered neglectful to withhold access to food from a child, or to deny the right food that they may need in order to thrive. Neglecting a child by withholding or denying food can impact a child’s physical and emotional health, as well as their neurological responses and behaviors. Children who
Thursday, February 03, 2022ECCAC Receives $11K Donation from Rosemary Beach Foundation
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) received a generous $11,000 donation from the Rosemary Beach Foundation (RBF), of which a portion of this was raised from the 4th Annual BINGO Brews & BBQ event held this past fall. Established in 2016, RBF has donated $1 million to local organizations, schools, hurricane recovery and COVID relief. RBF offers community events, educational programs and charitable activities in Walton County, Florida. In addition to the BINGO event, other annual programs
Monday, January 24, 2022ECCAC Monthly Focus on Prevention/Awareness Programs - February is National Teen Dating Violence Month
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) in Okaloosa and Walton counties have monthly prevention and awareness programs to help children, teens and families. February is National Teen Dating Violence Month. This is an issue that impacts everyone, not only teens, but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well. Teen dating violence affects nearly 10% of all teenagers throughout the U.S. The alarming statistics show 1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual,
Monday, November 01, 2021ECCAC Recognizes November as National Family Caregivers Month
To help the children and families they serve, November’s Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) focus will be on National Family Caregivers Month. Foster parent caregivers are critically important to the safety, well-being and mental health of children. They take in children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. There are 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. There are also kinship caregivers, too. These are grandparents and family members,
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Monday, October 25, 20218th Annual Crust Dinner Helps Children at ECCAC
On a recent pleasant fall evening, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) benefited from a dinner hosted by Mark and Kim Fressell, proprietors of Crust Artisan Bakery in Santa Rosa Beach, and Mike and Val Thompson, owners of the Thompson 31Fifty Winery located in the Russian River Valley area of California. From appetizers to desserts, with wine pairings, a sumptuous 7-course meal was served to 10 couples who bid on this item at last spring’s live auction at ECCAC’s signature Gala. Thompson
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Wednesday, October 13, 2021ECCAC Benefits from Men’s Night Out Dinner
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) was the beneficiary of proceeds from a Men’s Night Out live auction lot sold at last spring’s Gala. Nine men bid on the lot that would be hosted at the home of area residents Wayne Paul and Susan Kiley in their “man cave.” The all-men evening was a huge success with the host couple personally preparing the food, which included heavy hors d’oeuvres and a full sit-down dinner. Dessert was made by Dave and Laura Thomas. Cory Fosdyck also donated
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Monday, October 11, 2021Christmas is Coming to ECCAC …It’s Adopt-a-Family Time
It’s time to start planning for this year’s Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) Adopt-a-Family program to help children and their families in need over the upcoming holiday season. There will be many families in our area in economic distress, especially this year. Who couldn’t use a boost of Christmas spirit? ECCAC is seeking donors who will purchase gifts for individual families. It is important that all gifts are new and unwrapped. Gift certificates are great for teens and Christmas
Monday, October 04, 2021ECCAC Monthly Focus on Prevention Programs: …October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) will be recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness throughout the month of October. Domestic violence is abuse that happens between people that live in the same household. It encompasses a number of different abuses such as physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Domestic violence can happen between family members in a household, but the most commonly reported domestic violence is intimate partner violence. Unfortunately, many people are
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Monday, September 27, 2021Child Safety Matters Expands to Include Athlete Safety Matters
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) has had its Child Safety Matters prevention programs in place for the past several years. They have gone into Okaloosa and Walton counties schools and reached around 37,000 K through 12 students each year in 66 different schools during this time. The nation has recently witnessed the sexual abuse testimonies of several young female Olympians before Congress about how long it took to hold accountable the now imprisoned former physician, Larry Nassar, and
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Monday, September 20, 2021ECCAC Announces New Director of Development and Marketing
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) officially announced that Christen Cowgill will be joining the team in October as the non-profit’s Director of Development and Marketing. In this executive role, she will be leading the development and marketing efforts of ECCAC’s Centers in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Cowgill has an extensive background working with people and events, most recently serving as the Director of Events for Grand Boulevard. Also involved with the Shoreline Church
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Friday, September 17, 2021Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Makes Donation to ECCAC
Thanks to the generosity of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), presented by the Jumonville Family, they raised over $2 million to benefit 16 area children’s charities. The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) received a significant $150,000 check from this year’s proceeds, which included the proceeds from an exclusive Patrons Dinner for ECCAC hosted by Cory & Hillary Fosdyck. DCWAF is recognized as the fifth largest charity wine auction in the U.S. by Wine Spectator Magazine.
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Monday, September 13, 2021ECCAC Announces 2021/2022 Board of Directors
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) announced its 2021/2022 line-up of Board members and officers. They are Janet Parker, President; Renee Pellegrino, Vice President; Alan Wood, Treasurer; WCSO Chief Audie Rowell, Past President; and Shaun Eubanks, member at large. Other Board members are Todd Bierbaum, Stephanie Brannon, Cindy Cole, Christen Cowgill, Bill Fletcher, Velia Lala, Tracy McLean, Tammy Pierce, Artie Rodriguez, Tom Saffel, Annie Stutts, OCSO Lt. Nesli Suhi-Moore, Michael
Thursday, September 09, 2021Tracy McLean Joins ECCAC Board
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) Board of Directors recently welcomed Tracy McLean to its Board. McLean and her husband Norman are residents of Santa Rosa Beach. She has lived in the Panhandle since the age of 12 and has been living in the Destin area since 2004. They are self-employed with McLean administratively working with her developer husband in his high-end single-family vacation home business. Together they have four children and five grandchildren. Fellow Board member Cindy
Thursday, September 02, 2021Newest Guardian Angel ECCAC Supporter at Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recognized Lisa Z. Blady for being the newest $2,500 Guardian Angel with the non-profit’s Champion of Hope membership program. An author, Lisa is pictured here with her granddaughter who is on the cover of her book, Sons & Daughters Emerging. ECCAC provides services in a child-friendly environment to help identify, treat and support children in abusive situations, as well as helping to prevent child abuse through education and prevention programs. With a
Monday, August 30, 2021Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center Monthly Focus on Prevention Programs
Along with providing many services to children who have experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) also have significant prevention programs in place. According to Jasie Landeros, who heads up the prevention department as ECCAC’s Outreach Program Manager, “We have been focusing on creating awareness for monthly prevention programs this past year.In September, our focus will be on calling attention to suicide prevention for children, teens and young
Monday, August 02, 2021Back to school supply drive at Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center
It’s back to school time and the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is doing its annual drive for school supplies donated by the community. The supplies will help children whose families are economically challenged. They are needing binders, notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, rulers, paper, scissors and any other school supplies for all ages. Donations can be dropped off during the days at either of ECCAC’s two centers located in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs. Contact Sara Sharp, ECCAC’s
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Monday, July 26, 2021ECCAC Welcomes WCSO Sgt. Khaliqa Wheatley to their Board
Khaliqa Wheatley, a Sergeant employed by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), is a new member of the Board of Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). A resident of Okaloosa County, Sgt. Wheatley, and her now 6 year-old son, came to Florida by way of the military in 2015. She recently completed her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Sgt. Wheatley currently works with WCSO’s Professional Standards in Continuous Improvement, as well as serving as their Recruitment Coordinator
Monday, July 19, 2021Christen Cowgill Newest ECCAC Board Member
Christen Cowgill, residing in Destin with her family, and also the Director of Events at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, recently became the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) newest board member. Wearing numerous hats, Cowgill is a passionate and driven woman. In her Grand Boulevard position, she has had the opportunity to support major community events, such as South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival and the 30A Songwriter’s event with area non-profit organizations. She and her
Monday, June 07, 2021Bill Fletcher Receives ECCAC’s Prestigious Zeke Bratkowski Award
Walton County resident Bill Fletcher was recently recognized as the 2nd Zeke Bratkowski Advocate Award winner by the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) at its signature Gala. Zeke Bratkowski was an NFL professional football player and an assistant coach in the NFL for over two decades. He passed away in 2019, and was a passionate supporter of ECCAC, founding the non-profit’s first Gala and Golf Tournament in 1999. “Bill Fletcher is the perfect recipient of our Zeke Bratkowski Advocate
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Friday, May 28, 2021ECCAC’s “Bow Ties & Bling” Gala Raises $500K
It was a record setting evening raising $500K for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) at its 22nd annual signature Gala at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The “Bow Ties & Bling” sold-out event brought the community out in their finest attire to enjoy dinner, entertainment by David Seering and Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters, along with live and silent auctions, sponsorships, and other fundraisers. In what became the first matching funds occasion for ECCAC, the Jim Pierce
Monday, May 24, 2021Gulf Power Foundation Contributes $100,000 to Help Victims of Child Abuse in Local Community
A pandemic this past year has been difficult for everyone, but especially for someone who is seeking help. Agencies like the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center have been impacted by COVID-19, with Emerald Coast seeing 30% fewer cases in 2020. To support this mission, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center is one of four centers in Northwest Florida to receive grants from the Gulf Power Foundation. The four centers are Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Gulf Coast Kids House, Santa Rosa Kids
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Monday, May 17, 2021ECCAC Receives Generous $30K Donation from St. Joe Community Foundation
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently received a $30,000 donation from the St. Joe Community Foundation towards its Child/Teen Safety Matters initiative in schools. The ECCAC Child/Teen Safety Matters program objective is to deliver a comprehensive child abuse prevention education by teaching children safety rules, safety choices, strategies for recognizing and responding to save versus unsafe situations, human trafficking, and all forms of child abuse and exploitation. This
Monday, May 03, 2021Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center “Bow Ties & Bling” Gala
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center “Bow Ties & Bling” Gala – Friday – May 21 – 6 p.m. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is presenting its 22nd annual signature Gala. The “Bow Ties and Bling” themed Gala is at 6 p.m., on Friday, May 21, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Emceed by David Seering, guests will enjoy dinner and live entertainment by the popular Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters, along with live and silent auctions.
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Tuesday, April 06, 2021ECCAC Proclamation Recognizes April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) Board, multi-disciplinary team and staff gathered at the Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center in DeFuniak Springs to recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Janet Parker, Vice President of the Board, read a proclamation with one of its most important points being that effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among families, social service agencies, schools, religious and civic organizations, law
Monday, April 05, 2021Mary Fomby New Community Outreach Coordinator at ECCAC
Mary Fomby just joined the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) staff as the Community Outreach Coordinator. Recently relocating to the Destin area from Utah, Fomby’s parents are also residents in the area. She was with the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority as the Content Marketing Specialist prior to her move here. Receiving her Associates degree from Weber State University before graduating high school in Utah, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Cinema and
Monday, March 22, 2021ECCAC to Observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. That is the 24/7 job of the multi-disciplinary team of staff and volunteers at ECCAC centers in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. ECCAC is a part of the National Children’s Advocacy Center non-profit organization. There are 950 Centers across the country, with 27 of them
Monday, March 01, 2021ECCAC Focus on Prevention Programs …March is National Nutrition Month
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) undertakes a prevention/awareness program each month related to the health and well-being of children and teens. March is National Nutrition Month. Food neglect can impact a child’s physical and emotional health, as well as their neurological responses and behaviors. Children who experience childhood food neglect are most likely to struggle with an eating disorder later in their life. It is considered neglectful to withhold access to food from a child,
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Tuesday, February 23, 2021ECCAC Board Welcomes Lt. Nesli Suhi-Moore
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) recently welcomed a new member to its Board of Directors, Lt. Nesli Suhi-Moore with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). Lt. Suhi-Moore just celebrated her 15th year with OCSO. During her time with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, she has spent most of her career within the Criminal Investigations Section. As a Sergeant, she was responsible for supervising investigators assigned the Crimes Against Children Unit, which gave her the
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Tuesday, February 23, 2021Gracie’s Good Deeds Donates Children’s Supplies to ECCAC
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) and Gracie’s Good Deeds are in alliance for a mutual cause - to help children. For the past few years, Gracie’s Good Deeds has donated wipes, cleaning supplies, clothes, snacks, drinks, Pack 'n Plays, therapy graduation decorations, gift cards, toiletry items, and diapers to ECCAC in honor of their daughter. Unfortunately, David and Courtney Konradt lost their almost 3-year old daughter unexpectedly in her sleep 5 years ago. Since that time, the
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Tuesday, November 17, 2020Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center Names Outstanding Volunteer
Angie Van Diver just earned the prestigious honor of being named the Joyce Gean Outstanding Volunteer for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). With the longest record of volunteering, Van Diver has volunteered twice a week at ECCAC’s Niceville center for over twenty years. She works the front desk, which involves answering the phone, greeting clients and visitors, assisting children and their families where needed, taking care of the kitchen, keeping the coffee going and making cookies on
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Monday, November 09, 2020Time to Think About Christmas and Helping Make a Difference for ECCAC Children in Need
It’s time to start planning for this year’s Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) Christmas programs to help cheer up the lives of children in need and their families. There are many families in our area in economic distress, so ECCAC will again be implementing two Holiday initiatives. One is ECCAC’s annual Adopt-a-Family program. The non-profit organization is seeking donors who will purchase gifts for individual families who have been identified by the Center. Simply sign up to Adopt-a-Family
Tuesday, November 03, 2020ECCAC Monthly Focus on Prevention/Awareness Programs: November is National Family Caregivers Month
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) in Okaloosa and Walton counties have instituted monthly prevention and awareness programs to help the children and families they serve. Foster parent caregivers are critically important to the safety, well-being and mental health of children. They take in children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. There are 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. There will also be a focus on kinship caregivers
Monday, November 02, 20209th 30A 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Thanksgiving Races To Benefit Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center
Race organizers invite participants to register from wherever they may be this Thanksgiving for the 9th year for the annual 30A 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run races. Because of the pandemic, this one will be a virtual event. This race has been ranked one of the top five Thanksgiving Day races in the South. Participants, from any location, have the week of Thanksgiving, between Nov. 21 - 29, to complete their race. Everyone is invited to submit their results as well to see how they placed. As well,
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Monday, October 26, 2020Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center Is Rescheduled to Nov. 11
This fundraising concert, A Night With The Stars, is put on by and to benefit the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). The non-profit organization is celebrating 20 years of preventing child abuse and neglect, protecting children, and restoring the lives of impacted children. The live concert will open with popular local guitar/vocalist Nic Turner and his Lucky Strike Retros band, followed by the headliner act from Mobile, Tyron “Gretsch” Lyles and The Modern Eldorados, with their
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Friday, October 23, 2020Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center Receives Generous $20K Donation
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) received a generous $20,000 donation from Mills Heating & Air. This donation will assist in providing services to many children. With donations coming in at a much lesser rate this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially appreciated by ECCAC. Mills Heating & Air owner, Jackson White, commented, “We are humbled by the amazing work that the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center does for our community. Mills Heating & Air is honored to be
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Monday, October 19, 2020Annual Thompson 31Fifty Winery dinner at Crust Benefited ECCAC
Thompson 31Fifty Winery and Crust Artisan Bakery and Italian Restaurant graciously hosted a wine dinner that benefits the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs. Julie Porterfield, CEO of ECCAC commented, “For many years, Mike and Val Thompson, owners of Thompson 31Fifty Wine in California, along with Mark and Kim Fressell, owners of the Crust Artisan Bakery and Italian Restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, have joined together to create an amazing auction lot of fine wine
Monday, October 05, 2020October - National Domestic Violence Month
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) has instituted monthly prevention programs to help the children and families they serve. Prevention is the key. It is hard to believe there are approximately 1,100 cases of child sexual and physical abuse reported annually in Okaloosa and Walton counties, an average of 3 a day. Despite those big numbers, nearly 2/3 of the actual needs to help child victims go unmet due to lack of reporting to authorities. It is estimated that for every one child ECCAC
Saturday, September 12, 2020ECCAC’s Young Ambassadors 2020-21 Board Announced
Nine young professionals, comprised of men and women aged 21 - 40, currently serve on the Young Ambassador Board of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). This group supports the mission of the non-profit by helping to spread awareness through targeted service, social happenings and community outreach. Serving as the 2020-2021 Young Ambassador Board officers are Whitney Whidden, president; Andrew Franco, vice president; and Kaitlyn White, secretary. Other board members are Danielle Barta,
Friday, August 28, 2020ECCAC Receives Supplies for Kids from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.- Omicron Pi Zeta Chapter
The women of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.-Omicron Pi Zeta Chapter of Niceville, Fla., generously donated facial tissues, hand soap, baby wipes, snacks, juice boxes and sodas to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) for the children receiving services. ECCAC provides services in a child-friendly environment to help identify, treat and support children in abusive situations, as well as helping to prevent child abuse through education and prevention programs. With a Center in Okaloosa
Monday, August 03, 2020Stephanie Brannon Is Newest ECCAC Board Member
Stephanie Brannon recently became the newest Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) board member. Originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Brannon moved to Northwest Florida in 2005. She has since married and has two daughters, aged 9 and 5. Owning Setco Services, L.L.C., a title company, she and her husband, George Brannon, Jr., CEO, work together with their staff to offer title insurance, escrow, legal services and real estate closing assistance to buyers, sellers, realtors and lenders in nine
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Monday, July 27, 2020ECCAC Receives Dental Supplies for Kids from CVHN
The dental hygienists from Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) recently made a visit to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) in Niceville to donate toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and other children’s dental supplies for ECCAC to put in the backpacks they will be distributing to their children receiving services. Pictured left to right are Kelly Taylor, Christina Peterson and Denise Lisciotti from CVHN and Jasie Landeros and Angie Harder from ECCAC.
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Monday, July 27, 2020ECCAC Receives $1K Grant from White-Wilson Community Foundation
To help address unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic response, the White-Wilson Community Foundation recently made $1,000 emergency grants available to area non-profits. The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) applied for and received this grant. Funds will be used to address health, wellness and safety needs brought about as a result of the pandemic. “We appreciate receiving this grant,” commented Julie Porterfield, ECCAC CEO. “Because of the pandemic, we have adopted the
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Monday, July 27, 2020Jasie Landeros new Outreach Program Manager at ECCAC
Heading up the Prevention Department as the Outreach Program Manager, Jasie Landeros has joined the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). Every county in Florida has the impressive Child and Teen Safety Matters prevention programs in place for child protection and advocacy via the Monique Burr Foundation for Children. Since 2018, thanks to a grant from the Impact 100 ladies, ECCAC was able to actively implement Child and Teen Safety Matters prevention programs in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2020Demetrius Fuller Joins ECCAC Board of Directors
Demetrius Fuller has joined the board of directors of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). As the Music & Artistic Director of Sinfonia Gulf Coast, our region’s only full professional symphony orchestra, Fuller has been dedicated to serving the community for many years through education, entertainment and community philanthropy. Fuller has previously served on the boards of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Cultural Arts Alliance, Okaloosa Arts Alliance and Alaqua Animal
Wednesday, July 22, 2020Chelsea Fox Promoted to Development Manager at ECCAC
Chelsea Fox, now with the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) for the past four years, was recently promoted to be the Development Manager. Prior to her promotion, Fox handled and coordinated many of ECCAC’s events and volunteers. Now, in addition to overseeing the non-profit organization’s Young Ambassador board, she will also direct the development, identification, research, cultivation, management and solicitation of major gift prospects and donors. As well, Fox will oversee fundraising
Tuesday, July 14, 2020ECCAC Announces 2020/2021 Board of Directors …WCSO’s Major Audie Rowell is New President
At a recent virtual board meeting, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) announced the 2020/2021 line-up of board members and officers. The Walton County Sherriff Office’s (WCSO)Major Audie Rowell is the new President, Janet Parker is Vice President, and Alan Wood is Treasurer. Other members are immediate past president, Bill Fletcher, along with Tammy Pierce, Eric Aden, Todd Bierbaum, Shaun Eubanks, Velia Lala, Renee Pellegrino, Artie Rodriguez, Tom Saffel, Michael Thompson, Annie Stutts
Monday, July 06, 2020Nothing Bundt Cakes in Destin Bakes “Bundtlets” for ECCAC Staff
Nothing Bundt Cakes in Destin, led by Kevin Arnold (owner on far left) and his team, Keith Crenshaw, Veronika Kuster, LaTiffany Redding and Alysia McLeod, graciously agreed to help the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) by showing ECCAC some appreciation. Nothing Bundt Cakes deeply discounted 96 “bundtlets” in individual packaging with personalized tags for ECCAC staff and some of their agency partners consisting of Department of Children & Families, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Child
Tuesday, May 05, 2020Virtual Fundraising Works for Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown to Help Area Charities
In early April, Mike and Valerie Thompson, the founders of the Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown, along with the Emeril Lagasse Foundation (ELF), made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Chi Chi Miguel Weekend in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. For 13 years, the Chi Chi events have supported charities along the Gulf Coast, including the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. (ECCAC) So, on April 4, the organizers continued their efforts online on Facebook for their first virtual Throwdown and Online
Wednesday, April 15, 2020Community Steps Up To Help ECCAC
In these unprecedented pandemic times, the community has stepped up to help the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) in Niceville and the Pierce Family Center in DeFuniak Springs. This is also a time to acknowledge the importance of the community working together to help prevent child abuse and neglect and also to promote the social and emotional well-being of impacted children and their families. The circumstances surrounding the coronavirus change daily. For the safety of the children ECCAC
Tuesday, March 24, 2020ECCAC observes National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to help prevent child abuse and neglect, as well as to promote the social and emotional well-being of impacted children and their families. That is the 24/7 job of the multi-disciplinary team of staff and volunteers at Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) in Okaloosa and Walton counties. ECCAC is an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance
Thursday, March 12, 2020Annie Stutts Joins ECCAC board
Annie Stutts, residing in Santa Rosa Beach with her family, recently became an Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) board member. She is a stay-at-home mom raising a 7-year old daughter. In South Walton County, Stutts volunteered with the Treehouse Episcopal Montessori School race committee and also serves on the Children’s Volunteer Health Network board, where her primary focus is in the development of children's mental health division. Working with children is a natural for Stutts with her
Tuesday, April 09, 2019April 2019 Business Briefs / Member News Part 2
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Opens Applications for Artists for the 24th Annual Festival of the Arts Artist applications and poster competition entries are now being accepted for the 24th Annual Festival of the Arts. Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's Festival of the Arts is one of the Southeast's premier festivals and showcases more than 100 artists from across the US. The Festival is a celebration of art, music, food, family fun and features a live music lineup, a food bistro, wine and beer garden, art
Friday, March 22, 2019March 2019 Business Briefs / Member News
Sponsorship Opportunity: Destin Library Summer Reading Program The Destin Library is currently looking for sponsors for its 2019 Summer Reading Program: A Universe of Stories. These sponsors would provide support, either monetary or in-kind, to help make the Summer Reading Program a positive and educational experience for Destin’s children. In exchange the sponsors would receive prominent logo placement on the of our Summer Reading Program guides, as well as on any other promotional materials produced in
