Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy CenterOur Mission. Your Opportunity to Change a Child’s Story. Booklet made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor.
Every child deserves a childhood.Every child deserves a childhood.Every child deserves a childhood. MISSIONMISSIONMISSION For over 25 years, our Centers have been safe havens for children who have suffered abuse and neglect. They have had a safe place to start their journey of healing and to be seen, heard, and understood. We will not waver from our vision of ending child abuse and neglect. We're rising to the challenge and ask that you join us as we extend our reach and impact in our communities.Okaloosa + Walton CountiesOkaloosa + Walton CountiesOkaloosa + Walton Counties With two centers in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs, and a program office in Fort Walton Beach, the ECCAC provides safe, supportive spaces for children and families across Okaloosa and Walton Counties. 1 The impact made is undeniable and would not be possible without our generous donors, agency & community partners, annual members, wonderful volunteers, and amazing staff.
Bella was just 6 years old when her world changed. In a moment no child should ever have to face, she showed a kind of courage most adults would struggle to find. When Bella came through our doors, she wasn’t just seeking services—she needed safety, compassion, and a team who would believe her, support her, and walk beside her every step of the way. OUR “WHY”OUR “WHY”OUR “WHY” Her story, and the story of every child who enters the ECCAC, is why we exist. It’s why we show up every day—to ensure that every child who experiences abuse has a place to turn, a voice that is heard, and a future that is protected. Today, Bella’s spirit and future is as bright as can be. She stands as a testament to the power of the healing, intervention, and justice the ECCAC provides. Now in her early 20s, she is a FSU graduate, and an ambassador for the children at the ECCAC. Her story of healing + advocacy creates a path of hope for every child who needs the ECCAC.CEO Julie Portfield and Bella. Bella’s BraveryBella’s BraveryBella’s Bravery 2
She is a true voice for the voiceless, and because of her dedication to our mission, she's been able to elevate those voices to the highest level of our state government and national CAC platforms. While she's undeniably a warrior in the fight to end child abuse and neglect, she leads with love in all she does, and the children we serve are always her ‘why’. “Our goal is to one day hang the ‘closed for business’ sign at our 3 centers because all children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties are living FREE of child abuse and neglect. That is the future we believe every child deserves. With your help, we will bring that vision into reality for our children!” - ECCAC CEO Julie Porterfield CEOCEOCEO Julie is the heart of our organization and the driving force behind our mission. Since our inception, she's led our team with tenacity, grace, and the unwavering belief that children deserve the best possible future. Julie PorterfieldJulie PorterfieldJulie Porterfield ECCAC’s VisionECCAC’s VisionECCAC’s Vision 3
Today, the Children's Advocacy Center model brings these professionals together in one child-friendly location, reducing trauma through a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach focused on the child's safety, healing, and justice. The Need for CACsThe Need for CACsThe Need for CACs Before There Was a Better WayBefore There Was a Better WayBefore There Was a Better Way Children were asked to tell their story over and over—to teachers, law enforcement, child protective services, doctors, and prosecutors—often in intimidating environments and without coordinated support. Before Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) existed, child abuse investigations often meant repeated trauma. A national review of CAC communities found that districts with significant CAC usage saw a 196% increase in felony prosecutions of child sexual abuse cases. 4
The Forensic Interview A specially trained professional conducts a forensic interview in a private setting designed for children. This allows the child to share their experience in their own words while investigators and agency partners observe from another room, reducing repeated interviews, gathering important information, protecting the child from further trauma. A Safe Place to Start When a child is referred to the ECCAC after concerns of abuse arise, they are welcomed into a safe, child-friendly environment. Child advocates greet families, explain the process, and remain a consistent source of support throughout the journey. Our forensic interviewers are experts at helping children open up. Journey to HealingJourney to HealingJourney to Healing 2 3 1 What Happens When a ChildWhat Happens When a Child Walks Through Our Doors?Walks Through Our Doors? What Happens When a Child Walks Through Our Doors? Law enforcement and child protection professionals work together to ensure the child’s immediate safety while coordinating next steps. Safety and Protection 5
Advocacy and Family Support Child advocates guide families throughout the process—providing updates, connecting them to resources, offering emotional support, and helping them navigate court proceedings if needed. Justice and Accountability If cases move forward in the legal system, advocates help prepare children for court and ensure they feel supported throughout the process. Healing and Hope Medical and Therapeutic Support Children receive medical evaluations to ensure their health and safety. Many are referred to trauma-informed therapy, where licensed therapists help children process experiences, develop coping skills, and begin healing. Children graduate from therapy, marking healing milestones. 5 6 7 4 Healing takes time. Through therapy, advocacy, and continued support, children can regain confidence, rebuild trust, and move forward with hope. 6
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) This state agency is responsible for investigating initial reports of child sexual and physical abuse and neglect, helping ensure concerns are assessed and children are connected to the appropriate services and support. PartnershipsPartnershipsPartnerships Under the ECCAC RoofUnder the ECCAC RoofUnder the ECCAC Roof Child Protection Team (CPT) CPT staff are specially trained to conduct forensic interviews, provide medical evaluations, and offer expert testimony in court to support children and families throughout the entire investigative process. Okaloosa and Walton Law Enforcement Agencies Law enforcement officers with specialized training lead the criminal investigation of child abuse cases, working to protect children, gather evidence, and support the pursuit of justice. State Attorney’s Office (SAO) Assistant State Attorneys assigned to prosecute cases involving child neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties, working to ensure children and families receive justice and support throughout the legal process. 7
Voices for theVoices for the VoicelessVoiceless Voices for the Voiceless Carol CiCi Sekhon, MD CPT Medical Director, District 1 “Serving children at the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center is both a profound privilege and deep responsibility. ECCAC’s unwavering focus on each child’s experience allows our team to meet children where they are, creating a compassionate, seamless multidisciplinary environment that helps guide the children we serve toward safety, healing, and hope.” Eric S. Aden, Okaloosa County Sheriff “The collaboration and relationship of the ECCAC and law enforcement is paramount to bringing justice for abused children while providing a safe place of respite from their trauma. I am honored to have worked with the center for most of my 30 year career including serving on their board before becoming Sheriff.” Michael Adkinson, Jr. Walton County Sheriff 8 “The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center is a vital partner in protecting Walton County’s most vulnerable children. Their compassionate, coordinated approach helps reduce trauma, support families, and ensure children are heard, believed, and cared for. We are grateful for their partnership and the healing and hope they bring to our community.”
“The coordinated efforts of the Multidisciplinary Teams brought together under one roof at the ECCAC greatly facilitate the successful prosecution of child abuse cases. From the outset of an investigation, victims and their families are connected with dedicated law enforcement, medical professionals, and mental health experts who help ensure they are protected and supported throughout what can be a lengthy judicial process. Earlier involvement by prosecutors through the ECCAC often leads to quicker case resolutions, from charging decisions to plea agreements or trial. As State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, I am grateful for the dedicated professionals at the ECCAC who work tirelessly to protect children and hold offenders accountable. They are the boots on the ground in this fight, and together, we will continue working to keep our children and communities safe.” Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney, OSA1 Angela Viramontes, Operations Program Administrator, FDCF “What the Center means to my team: Safety, Peace, and Hope—Safety in knowing the children we serve have shared their stories and that everyone involved is committed to protecting them. Peace in knowing they have taken their first step toward a future free from hurt and abuse. Hope that every child knows they are loved and that the future is theirs.” 9 Voices for theVoices for the VoicelessVoiceless Voices for the Voiceless
Our ECCAC TeamOur ECCAC TeamOur ECCAC Team1,55362kids assisted in 2025Most common types of abuse we seecriminal cases reviewed in 2025 Our advocacy team, affectionately known as the A-Team, is a highly trained unit that provides victim and mental health advocacy to each child assigned to the center. Our advocates are on call 24/7 to ensure there is always someone there to walk children towards healing. Providing front-line support.34.9% Physical 30.2% Sexual 27.9% Neglect 7% Other*Other is emotional, verbal, and/or secondary trauma.Advocacy 10
2,267239 7,640cookies baked this year for every child that enters our doorsmental health counseling hours in 2025caregivers assisted with tools and resources to restore hope after trauma Our therapy team provides free, high- quality trauma informed therapeutic services to children ages 2-18 who have experienced abuse, neglect, and/or trauma. Our therapists help kids to heal and know: “What happened wasn’t my fault. I am safe now.” Funded in part by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Transformation through therapy. Therapy 11 Our ECCAC TeamOur ECCAC TeamOur ECCAC Team
Safety Matters lessons presented each yearBuilding a better, healthier future. Our prevention team consists of Community Outreach Advocates who provide in-person safety education to the children of the Okaloosa and Walton County School Districts through the Monique Burr Foundation Safety Program, funded in part by the St. Joe Community Foundation. Students from 1 to 5 grade receive this critical and life saving information. st th1 out of 4 17,000+children will be victimized in their lifetime . . .students receive Safety Matters Education yearly1,040 41student disclosures after safety education Prevention95%of child abuse is preventable through education 12 United in Our Mission toUnited in Our Mission to End Child AbuseEnd Child Abuse United in Our Mission to End Child Abuse
Safety Matters lessons presented to schoolsstudent disclosures after safety educationCARES aims to be the bridge to keeping children in safe, supported homes and out of the judicial child welfare system. CARES provides families with preventive services such as parenting and child development education, job and budgeting support, and resources that help children remain safely at home. CARES (Community Awareness, Advocacy, Resources, Education, and Support) is a community-based initiative to reach a wider demographic of children who are subject to neglect and lack of resources. CARES Program CARES Classes CARES also teaches parental education classes, like our “safe sleep” course. Funded by the Dugas Family Foundation, new and expecting parents learn the essentials of safe sleep and walk away equipped with cribs and other newborn essentials.children served by CARES in 202595630cribs provided to new moms13 Our ECCAC TeamOur ECCAC TeamOur ECCAC Team
Our ImpactOur ImpactOur Impact Whether greeting a child at the door, sitting quietly during therapy, or offering reassurance after a forensic interview, they help reduce anxiety and create a sense of safety. Sometimes, healing begins with a wagging tail. Therapy dogs begins that healing. Our trained therapy dogs provide comfort, companionship, and a calming presence for children during difficult moments. 1 out of 4 children will be victims of child abuse in their lifetime. 95% of child abuse is PREVENTABLE through education and intervention. Over 1,500 children are assisted each year by the ECCAC. 62 Criminal cases reviewed in 2025. 2,267 Mental health counseling hours conducted. Over 17,000 students received Safety Matters education from 2024-2025. 88% of donations goes DIRECTLY to serve our children. Dog TherapyDog TherapyDog Therapy 14 Every number isEvery number is a child’s life.a child’s life. Every number is a child’s life.
“ECCAC is the most professional and impactful agency advocating for children that I have been exposed to. Every dollar is carefully invested and expended with love and compassion. It is a privilege to be able to help these professionals making positive contributions to our society.” Frank Flautt, Founder, Sandcastle Resorts & Hotels Jim and Tammy Pierce, ECCAC Pierce Family Center Key Contributors “My wife and I support this charity because protecting children from abuse is deeply personal to me, having experienced it myself. We give to help ensure children are safe, heard, and given the support they need to heal and thrive.” Mike and Valerie Thompson, Thompson 31Fifty Wines 15 “Every child deserves to feel safe and believed. For 16 years, that belief has driven us to support the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center — through service on the Board and years of fundraising — so children in our community are protected and never have to heal alone.” Champions forChampions for ChildhoodChildhood Champions for Childhood
April Wilkes, Executive Director St. Joe Community Foundation "ECCAC fills a need we hope no child or family ever has to face. The work they do is not for the faint of heart, and we are grateful for their unwavering commitment to serving children and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We are proud to support their prevention, education,counseling, and therapy programs that help children heal and thrive." "Alden and I have always believed that investing in children is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our communities. Chef Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Lagassee Foundation Through Emeril Lagasse Foundation, we're proud to have supported Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center for over a decade and the incredible work they do for children and families." — Chef Emeril Lagasse Karah Fridley-Young, President, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation "For 17 years, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has proudly supported ECCAC and the children they serve. Through the generosity of our donors, more than $3.2 million has been invested in providing safety, advocacy, healing, and hope to children and families facing unimaginable circumstances. We are honored to help strengthen this vital work in our community." 16
Last Quote Needed Jim and Tina Clark Champions forChampions for ChildhoodChildhood Champions for Childhood Lynn and Steve Dugas, Dugas Family Foundation D.C. Matthews, Attorney, Matthews & Matthews “ECCAC holds a special place in my heart as it gives a voice, a helping hand, and a light at the end of the tunnel for children who would otherwise be unable to do so. The ECCAC serves my community, as I serve my community. The world is a better place because of the ECCAC.” 17 Lynn and I, along with the Dugas Family Foundation, have always been deeply moved and impressed by Julie and the Board’s extraordinary work over the past 28 years. Their dedication has helped countless children and families in our community navigate the unimaginable, find safety, discover hope, and begin to heal.
Change aChange a Child’s StoryChild’s Story Change a Child’s Story Every number is a child’s life.Every number is a child’s life.Every number is a child’s life. Become a Champion for Childhood. Give a Little. Love a Lot. Donate through Easy Ongoing Giving Your gift has the power to change the course of a child’s life forever. Join our mission. Every child deserves a childhood.88%Percent of donations go straight to programs for the kids, the rest keep our lights shining$1,900Average cost to help one child(Highest Rating Available) Booklet made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor. ECCAC's collaborative model is funded through a balanced mix of community support and public funding: 37% fundraising, 33% state and government funding, 17% donations, and 13% grants. Together, these resources allow us to unite agencies under one roof and provide life-changing services to children and families at no cost.37%33%13%17%37% fundraising 33% state and gov 17% donations 13% grants
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy CenterScan to become a champion for childhood or visit ECCAC.org/donate@emeraldcoastcacEmerald Coast Children's Advocacy Centereccac.org Booklet made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor.