OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection has launched the public phase of a capital fundraising campaign with the goal of meeting the growing demand for services to support abused and neglected children in Marion County.
First Federal Bank recently made a $10,000 contribution to stimulate the campaign.
Kimberly’s Center says the proposed building expansion will give it the ability to help more children and families in need. For perspective, the center says it serves 1,400 out of 4,000 suspected child abuse and neglect cases reported in Marion County each year.
In a news release, Kimberly’s Center says it exists to “respond to, protect, and restore children who have suffered from abuse and neglect, so they can get the help, hope and healing they need.”
The planned 4,500-square-foot addition punctuates the center’s five-year journey of growth, marking an increase in services and new prevention programs.
“This proposed building expansion will impact Marion County’s most vulnerable children by ensuring that the system of care can provide individualized, trauma-informed care in one location with the primary focus on healing,” says Executive Director Dawn Westgate. “We are so appreciative of First Federal for their longtime support and for assisting us with launching this public phase of the capital expansion fundraising campaign.”
Westgate says the expansion will better support local law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families in their ventures, offering a conducive environment for comprehensive care and case assessments.
The estimated cost for the construction project is $1.6 million, and the center hopes to raise an additional $800,000.
It welcomes all contributions as it prepares to renovate and expand its existing facility on 2800 NE 14 St. in Ocala. For more information about this project, reach out to Kristina Donohue at kristina@kimberlyscenter.org or click here.