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Children's Protection Center outlines Jacksonville expansion plans, fundraising as federal grants remain uncertain
Summary
Representatives of the Children's Protection Center told the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District board in June that a local center is fully operational, has served dozens of children from the immediate ZIP code, and is raising more than $1 million to complete a planned expansion amid possible federal grant shortfalls.
At the June Jacksonville North Pulaski School District board meeting, Children's Protection Center representatives said the center in Jacksonville is fully operational, serving local children and actively raising funds to complete a second expansion phase.
"We have fully been embraced by this community and by the school district," Jennifer Portnoy, a representative of the Children's Protection Center, said. She said the center completed phase one more than a year ago and is now fundraising for phase two to add staff offices and allow evening support groups.
Kristen Thomas, director of advocacy services for the center, told the board that the center's medical component was finished in December 2024 and that services are in use. "From April 1 of 2024 through April 1 of 2025, we served 89 kids just in that space alone," Thomas said, adding that 87 of those children came from ZIP code 72076. She also said year-to-date the center has seen 64 children, 30 of whom are from the same ZIP code.
The center is seeking more than $1 million to finish the build-out that would create safer interview and office space, Thomas said. Jennifer Portnoy outlined uncertainty in federal funding that could reduce the center's operating budget by "anywhere from $50,000 to $400,000" beginning this fall, and said staff are pursuing grant applications and local fundraising to make up potential shortfalls.
Tara Todd, development and marketing director for the center, described local fundraising efforts that include the River City's Dragon Boat Festival. "Last year, we made about $220,000. We are shooting for $300,000 this year. I'm happy to say we're already at $160,000," she said, thanking local sponsors and district members who are serving as ambassadors for the center.
The presenters also noted community outreach and visibility efforts, including school and city engagement, and mentioned Simone, the facility dog, who attends events and will be at the Dragon Boat Festival on Friday and Saturday. The board did not take action on the presentation; the update was informational.
