Truist Foundation awards $20,000 to Children's Advocacy Center of Centre County

The Truist Foundation recently awarded the Children's Advocacy Center of Centre County with a $20,000 grant. “We’re pleased to support the Mount Nittany Health Foundation,” said Alex Brame, Central Pennsylvania regional president at Truist, speaking on behalf of the Truist Foundation. “We’re committed to ensuring children in our communities grow up healthy and in safe environments. With our support, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County can continue their incredible work to comfort children when they need it most.”

The grant will allow the Center to implement the Nova Pro mobile health hub, technology that aids victim advocates in conducting secure virtual visits for victim advocacy services and attend multidisciplinary investigation team meetings across several counties. This helps to ensure that Center staff continues to meet the needs of area children and families, while staying safe by following public health protocols for COVID-19. Post COVID-19, the health hub will continue to provide a secure means for advocates to connect with families when time is of the essence, and travel is not an option.  

While the Children's Advocacy Center provides victim advocacy services virtually, some interactions must be conducted in person. This is often a stressful and anxiety-producing experience for children, parents, and guardians alike. With this funding from the Truist Foundation, the Center will be able to upgrade the waiting and interview rooms to create an even calmer, more comforting environment for everyone.

"We are grateful to the Truist Foundation for their generous grant. These funds will support our vital work serving children who may be victims of sexual and physical abuse, neglect, endangerment, or a witness to violence" shares Meredith Thompson, MS, executive director, Children's Advocacy Center of Centre County.

If you feel that a child in your family or community is the victim of abuse, neglect, or a witness to other crimes, you are encouraged to contact ChildLine at 1.800.932.0313, or your local Children and Youth Services department. ChildLine staff is available to answer your call 24/7. Callers can remain anonymous. If you feel the child is in immediate danger, please contact your local police department or 9-1-1.

Mount Nittany Health Foundation donors make a difference. Our donors' generosity enables the growth of expertise, advances in lifesaving technology, program improvements, and facility upgrades that meet the unique needs of the communities we serve. Gifts directly support Mount Nittany Health's mission to make people healthier. To learn more about the Mount Nittany Health Foundation, visit foundation.mountnittany.org or call 814.234.6777.