CAC invites residents to choose an act of kindness on GivingTuesday

“They (CAC staff) were kind, helpful and patient,” said one young survivor of abuse after her forensic interview at Children’s Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County.

A Spanish speaking client appreciated the “amabilidad de las personas” which translates to “the people’s kindness.”

CAC invites community residents to consider an intentional act of kindness as a GivingTuesday gift on Dec. 3.

Such kindness might involve volunteering at a CAC event or providing a month’s worth of snacks for CAC’s young clients. Ultimately, the act of kindness both supports CAC’s services and helps raise awareness of the work CAC does with young survivors of abuse or violence.

“There are so many simple ways that people can help CAC get the word out about what we do and who we help,” CAC’s CEO Melanie Pignotti said. “Following us on Facebook or Instagram and liking or sharing our posts doesn’t cost anything but is such a kindness to us and really helps raise our visibility online. Or, if you’re connected to a Scout troop or in a book club and want an easy service project, making a dozen fleece tie blankets is a quick and inexpensive activity. You have no idea how much kindness and comfort a cozy blanket offers a child who is at CAC for their forensic interview about the alleged abuse,” she said.

While CAC may be a new name to some area residents, it is not a new organization. For 35 years, CAC has been providing specialized interviewing, ongoing family advocacy and trauma-informed mental health counseling to young survivors of abuse in 38 north and northwest Chicago suburbs. In addition, the agency provides education and training on healthy parenting and abuse prevention to schools, businesses and community groups. Since 1989, CAC has served over 17,500 children and families, helping them address trauma, build resilience and live safer, healthier lives. All services are free and offered in English or Spanish.

To learn more about giving a gift of kindness on GivingTuesday, visit cachelps.org/partner​.