Friends of the Child Advocacy Center
Child Abuse Prevention in Frederick County, Maryland
Here in Frederick County, the number of abused children served at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) has continued to trend up. Last year, 77% of the children referred to CAC were victims of sexual abuse. Several of the children had experienced more than one type of abuse. Two-thirds of the children served were females. The majority of the children seen were between the ages of 7 and 12. Child abuse is a community problem and it will take a united community response to end it. Zero tolerance is our goal.
We raise funds and donate thousands of hours annually to:
- increase awareness of child abuse and neglect in Frederick County and help to prevent it;
- support the CAC programs and the children and families it serves;
- make sure these young survivors have the opportunities and resources to heal and rebuild their lives.
Our organization helps by meeting needs that continue beyond the scope of the local government-specialized and therapeutic classes and services for the physical and emotional long-term well-being of the children. We assist with gift cards for food, gas, and clothing, when needed. We also step up to help fill any immediate needs or provide funding to supplement CAC services.
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Join us in giving a voice to child abuse awareness and prevention through your participation and sponsorship.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to make communities more aware of child abuse and neglect so we can move to prevention. The color for the month is blue-the color of a child’s bruises-to remind us all that child abuse needs to stop!
Child abuse is entirely preventable but only when the community comes together and promotes zero tolerance.
Here in Frederick County, there are many opportunities for the community to promote and participate in Child Abuse Prevention activities that highlight awareness, prevention, and education.
You will see silver and blue pinwheels growing in gardens around the county. They are the symbols of a happy and safe childhood, what we want year-round for all of our children. They remind us of the important role each of us can play in the lives of our children and our community. Consider planting a Pinwheels for Prevention garden so you can share the message with your neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
THANK YOU!​
To Mindy Rohrbaugh who donated her time and talents and provided pillows and crocheted toys and bookmarks for the children.
THANK YOU
Thank you to our anonymous donor whose generous gift will once again help care for the children of Frederick County. Your kindness is so appreciated!
Thank you again to the Ausherman Family Foundation for their generous support of our clients.
The What Would Stew Dew Fund
HEIRESS
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For an introduction to the CAC's assistance dog, Heiress, please visit the link below. County Spotlight: Heiress Kristen Dunn, Heiress' handler, provides information of her and Heiress' roles at the CAC. Heiress is a very important member of the CAC team in supporting the children and families who experience abuse.​ You can also visit Heiress' Corner for more information on their activities. County Spotlight: Heiress
Zero tolerance is our goal.
One in ten children will be the victim of sexual abuse. One in three boys and one in four girls will be the victim of physical abuse.
We are the Friends of the Child Advocacy Center, an all volunteer non-profit organization. Our members come from various backgrounds but share a common passion and focus. For more information about the Friends of the Child Advocacy Center, click here.
Each April, we sponsor National Child Abuse Prevention activities throughout Frederick County. Year-round we work to educate, inform and involve our community.
In lieu of a Christmas, Hanukkah, birthday or any other celebration, consider a donation to the Friends of the Child Advocacy Center in honor of, or in memory of, a special someone. We will send a card to the recipient letting them know that a donation was made in their name.
Go to our Donate page.
Colonial Jewelers just restocked the Friends of the Child Advocacy Center Em(brace)let so now is the perfect time to get yours!​
THANK YOU​
Thank you to the participants of our 2024 Holiday Gift Program! With the help of the Friends of the CAC members, friends, and companies, we supported 22 families and the wish lists of 58 children this year. You all did a really wonderful job! Your efforts made a big impact for a brighter holiday season for the children and families. Thank you for your big hearts!
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Ausherman Family Foundation
Best Plumbing in Myersville
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Century Ford of Mount Airy
Constance L. Palmer Missionary Society
State's Attorney's Office of Frederick County
US Army Medical Research Development Command, Office of Human and Animal Research Oversight
Thank you again to Century Ford of Mt. Airy. Their employees shopped for 11 children this year! Shown in the picture are the very generous employees and General Manager of Century Ford and Marianne Trump, the Friends of the CAC’s Treasurer and Holiday Gift Program coordinator. Century Ford of Mt. Airy THANK YOU!
The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has been participating in the Friends of the CAC Holiday Gift Program for over 10 years. Their dedicated support has been instrumental to the success of the program. Shown in the picture are Carol Feser who coordinates the gift shopping with the very generous members and Marianne Trump.
Best Plumbing Specialties of Myersville has also been a long time sponsor of the Holiday Gift Program. Thank you to the generous employees. Pictured below is Alice Maggi of Best Plumbing and Marianne Trump.
Thank you to the employees of the United States Army Medical Research Development Command, Office of Human and Animal Research Oversight. Shown in the picture is Megan Hedges who led the office shoppers and Marianne Trump.
Thank you to the generous employees of the State's Attorney's Office of Frederick County who supported the Holiday Gift Program again this year. Pictured below are the employees and Jacqueline Rottmann who led the shoppers and Marianne Trump.
More Information - Go to Events
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SPONSORS OF THE MONTH
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April - Perennial Clay and Garden
May - Red Horse Restaurant
August - Maxwells
4th Quarter - Kitchenette
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More information - Go to Sponsors of the Month
First Saturday in Downtown Frederick
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On Saturday, April 5th, we will be heading to downtown Frederick. We are planning to plant pinwheels in the Healing Garden, drop off displays at the downtown businesses and pass out pinwheels and literature to the public. We will be meeting at the garden at 1pm to get started and should be finishing up around 3pm. Please join us! The Healing Garden (Bonita Maas Park) is located on West 2nd Street.
EVENTS
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WEAR BLUE FRIDAY, April 4, 2025
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Frederick County citizens, businesses, associations, schools, and organizations are invited to help raise awareness of child abuse by wearing blue, the national color for child abuse prevention.
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Demonstrate your support for a happy healthy childhood for children by wearing blue. Take selfie of you and your friends at work, play, or home.
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Post it to your Facebook page and tag Friends of the Child Advocacy Center and the Child Advocacy Center.
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Your photos will be posted on our Facebook pages and webpage.​​​​​​​​​​
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On Saturday, April 26, 2025, in conjunction with the national Month of the Young Child, the children and families of Frederick County are invited to experience the 35th Annual Children’s Festival in Baker Park, located at the corner of Bentz and Second Street in Downtown Frederick, Maryland, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Our goal to spread awareness of Child Abuse Prevention is being impacted by the County and City Proclamations held during the month of April again this year. Many thanks to the CAC Staff and Friends of the CAC members who attended to show support of this very important mission.
Frederick County Proclamation held April 1.
See Events for other Proclamations.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Sailing through the Winter Solstice and voted and donated to our SS Pinwheel this year. We appreciate your support.
Thank you to the Frederick Ski Club for their 50//50 raffle donation.
We are grateful to the FOP for their continued generosity and their donation from their sold out golf tournament.