CULLMAN, Ala. – Brooks’ Place – The Child Advocacy Center of Cullman, held the 25th annual Safe Kids Expo on Saturday, April 26, at Sportsman Lake Park, where over 200 children and their families came out to enjoy the festivities. Executive Director Gail Swafford shared, “It was slower today than in years past with attendance, but it’s such a great community event. Seeing families come out together and have a good time without a worry is such a blessing. We love to see families spend time together and it’s our way of giving back to the community.”
Community members Mike and Pam Key brought their grandchildren for a day of fun.
“We and our grandkids have had a great time today,” Pam Key shared.
Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Stephanie Lawson said, having worked with DHR and now serving on the Brooks’ Place board, she has seen the invaluable role Swafford and her team play in transforming lives.
“Their compassion, dedication and tireless efforts provide children and families with the support they deserve,” Lawson said. “The Safe Kids Expo is a fantastic extension of the work done by Brooks’ Place. Not only does it raise awareness about child safety, but it also provides families with valuable resources in a fun and engaging way.”
Swafford said the event would not have been possible without sponsors, including Sportsman Lake Park, the Cullman County Commission, Desperation Church, Pepsi, Cullman Lions Club, District Attorney Champ Crocker, Wal-Mart Distribution, Cullman County Partnership for Children and the Cullman County Home Builders Association.
Brooks’ Place was formed in 1997 after a grassroots effort headed by then Cullman County District Attorney Len Brooks to provide services to child abuse victims. The center was named in his honor. Services include trauma-focused counseling, forensic medical exams and advocacy for child abuse victims. All services are provided at no cost to families. Brooks’ Place partners with law enforcement, DHR, juvenile probation, medical professionals specializing in child abuse and the DA’s office to seek justice and healing for children and families dealing with the impact of child abuse. It is the only agency in Cullman providing all the services under one roof needed for children to heal from abuse.
For more information, visit www.cullmancac.com or www.facebook.com/brooksplacecac or call 256-739-2243.
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