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Gates County approves $5,000 contribution to Kids First Child Advocacy Center
Summary
After a presentation from Kids First, the commissioners voted unanimously to provide a $5,000 contribution to update medical equipment and support the center’s services for child abuse victims; follow‑up discussions with DSS were directed for future funding.
Rhonda Morris, director of Kids First Child Advocacy Center, told the Gates County Board of Commissioners the center has served the county for 34 years and asked for a one‑time contribution and future budget consideration after a recent drop in Victims of Crime Act funding.
“We're asking you to please ... contribute $5,000 to that,” Morris said, citing an equipment upgrade needed because current medical equipment will not run on Windows 11.
A commissioner moved to fund the request and the board approved the $5,000 contribution unanimously. The board asked staff to follow up with Department of Social Services Director Willie Smith to determine how future contributions might be managed in the budget process.
Morris stressed the center’s role in providing legally defensible forensic interviews, evidence‑based therapy and medical evaluations for children who are victims of abuse. She said Kids First handled 28 children in Gates County during the year and estimated the services prevented county agencies from incurring approximately $136,332 in external costs by keeping services local.
Commissioners indicated the contribution could be included in future budget conversations and asked staff to evaluate where recurring support might be appropriate.
The board’s funding decision was recorded as unanimous and the manager/finance staff were directed to follow up with the presenter and DSS on logistics.
