beneficiaries

Mary Abbott Children’s House

$76,000
FAMILY

Norman – The Mary Abbott Children’s House is a child-centered facility that serves as the child abuse response center for Cleveland, Garvin and McClain Counties. The existence of the Mary Abbott Children’s House is essential for reducing trauma in children who are the victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and neglect, or who are witnesses to death or abuse. The Abbott House is located in a beautiful 100 year-old Victorian house and provides a child-friendly environment for a video-recorded interview of the child after an allegation of abuse or neglect.

The video may be reviewed by other professionals and decreases the number of times a child must tell their very personal story. Abbott House is in close proximity to our community partners, which allows us to provide comprehensive services to more children in our community. As a Child Advocacy Center, we coordinate a team comprised of law enforcement, child welfare/child protection, medical professionals, mental health service providers and the district attorney. This team works collaboratively with the goal of evaluation and treatment for the child victims and families experiencing abuse or neglect and holding offenders accountable.

The organization’s growing staff, number of community partners who are located on-site, and an increased need for services have resulted in a real demand for additional space. This spurred the organization’s board of directors to initiate a capital campaign in order to expand. With the help of Impact Oklahoma, we will be able to secure the purchase of the building adjacent to Abbott House and continue our project of connecting and renovating the two buildings. The new 3,000 square foot property will eventually house the response team, so that the original house may be used exclusively for providing services to children and families.

Abbott House has made a huge impact in our community. Children need a safe place to tell their story and a group of professionals to make sure they get the best care possible. We are the friendly faces they see when they come in the door and we are the arms that wrap around each family as they begin the long process of healing. With the help of Impact Oklahoma, we could extend those arms and serve more children and families in our community.

To learn more, visit Mary Abbott Children’s House at www.abbott-house.org.