Felisha Rogers joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the services provided by Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), child abuse, child trafficking, and donations. At Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, a dedicated team is making a real difference for children and teens facing trauma from abuse or witnessing crimes. Previously, victims endured the pain of recounting their story to multiple agencies. Today, Braveheart brings together experts from law enforcement, child services, and the court system, so young people need only speak once in a safe setting. The conversation is recorded to ensure accuracy and spare the child further emotional strain. Since opening in 1999, Braveheart has expanded its caring approach across several Illinois counties, guiding families with advocacy, education, and unwavering support throughout the investigative process. Braveheart’s mission: “Our mission is to strengthen our community’s response to child abuse through prevention, intervention and advocacy.”
Braveheart CAC relies on donations and grants to provide vital services to children of physical and sexual abuse. Visit “Donate to Braveheart“ to contribute.
Donations needed to support children and families during the difficult process
The Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center is in need of donations to support children and families navigating difficult situations. Staff encourages donations of individually wrapped snacks, juice boxes, fruit snacks, and bottled water, which can bring comfort to young clients. Gas cards—with a preference for $10 amounts from Casey’s—can be crucial in helping families access therapy and specialized medical care. Everyday essentials such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, printer paper, and Forever Stamps are also sought, as grants do not cover these needs. Donations must be new and unopened. To coordinate a donation, email [email protected] or deliver it directly to 292 South East Road in Cambridge.
Individually wrapped, multi-packaged food items, such as:
Juice Boxes
Bottled Water
Variety boxes of chips, popcorn, etc
Crackers like Cheez-It’s or Goldfish
Fruit Snacks
Granola Bars
K-Cups (Hot Chocolate, or Coffee: Regular & Decaf) – for parents/guardians as they wait in our building
$10.00 cards from Casey’s (Casey’s is conveniently located in most towns across our five counties)
Becks and Shell are also in many areas for secondary options
Cleaning supplies—This need ranges from disinfectant wipes to bathroom cleaning products to dusting pads
Toilet paper and Kleenex
Printer paper
Forever Stamps
Children’s Advocacy Centers were developed to minimize trauma in children
Children’s Advocacy Centers, or CACs, play a crucial role in supporting young victims of abuse. Without these centers, children may have to recount their traumatic experiences multiple times, often in intimidating settings like police stations, increasing their distress and potentially affecting the case outcome. CACs provide a welcoming, child-centered space where a trained interviewer gathers the child’s story just once, minimizing trauma. Afterward, a team of specialists from law enforcement, healthcare, social services, and victim advocacy collaborates to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. This approach helps protect the child emotionally and supports a more effective investigative process.
Braveheart CAC offers medical and mental health services to clients
Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center offers vital support to families dealing with the aftermath of child abuse. The center’s advocacy program ensures every family is met with compassion and understanding the moment they arrive. Dedicated advocates assist with case management, coordinate essential appointments, and offer guidance through legal proceedings. They also connect families with medical and mental health services, providing both emotional and practical support during difficult times. By serving as a bridge between families and service providers, Braveheart focuses on empowering families, restoring hope, and guiding them toward healing. No family faces this journey alone at Braveheart.
Warning to parents regarding the Roblox App
Roblox remains a favorite online gaming platform among children, but experts warn that it comes with several online safety risks. Parents are urged to be aware of dangers such as inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators who may attempt to contact or exploit young users through chat features. The platform’s virtual currency system may also tempt kids into making costly in-game purchases. To keep children safer, parents must enable robust parental controls, monitor online activity, limit screen time, and educate kids about privacy and reporting tools. Open conversations and engagement in their online lives offer extra layers of protection. Visit “Roblox Safety Tips for Parents“ by Felisha Rogers for more tips on keeping your child safe on Roblox.
Child trafficking information
Child trafficking remains a hidden crisis with devastating impacts across the globe. Studies show at least 3.3 million children are trapped in forced labor, with many recruited not by strangers, but by trusted adults—often family members, friends, or romantic partners. Contrary to popular myths, kidnapping accounts for less than half a percent of child trafficking cases. More commonly, manipulation and false promises lure vulnerable children, especially online. The harm inflicted goes far beyond physical exploitation, often resulting in complex trauma and long-term mental health challenges. Recognizing the signs, debunking misconceptions, and addressing root vulnerabilities are key steps toward protecting at-risk youth. For more information, visit “ISP Trafficking Facts“ or “Report Human Trafficking.“
Human trafficking, an often hidden crime, affects individuals across Illinois, both in urban and rural areas. Victims may be forced into labor or sex work through threats, coercion, or fraud, frequently lacking control over their identification, finances, or freedom. The Illinois State Police have focused on specialized training to help officers recognize victims and distinguish them from traffickers. Signs to watch for include isolation, lack of control over documents, unusual living or working conditions, or monitoring by others. Education and public awareness remain the strongest tools against trafficking. For help or to report concerns, call 1-888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org.