Rebuilding Hope for Naples Families
A new fundraising drive has begun to rebuild the Collier Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) after Hurricane Ian destroyed its main building in 2022. The initiative, called Lifting Up, Building Strength, aims to complete interior work and reopen the center for families in need.
One‑Stop Sanctuary
The new facility will consolidate all essential services:
- Expert interviews
- Medical check‑ups
- Therapy rooms
- Parent support
- Training sessions
Currently, families must visit multiple sites to access care—a challenge amplified after traumatic events. The CAC seeks to eliminate this fragmented approach, creating a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Impact in Numbers
- Over 2,500 potential child‑abuse cases are examined annually in Collier County.
- Hurricane Ian dispersed CAC services across several locations, making support harder to find.
- The new building will provide a stable, child‑centered environment where kids and parents can feel safe and receive help together.
Community Rally
A small gathering at the future center highlighted the campaign’s launch. Leaders, board members, and local partners convened to discuss its importance. Maria Jimenez‑Lara of the Naples Children Foundation underscored that the CAC performs some of the most critical work in the community.
Funding Goal
The first phase seeks $4.38 million to cover:
- Construction
- Renovation
- First‑year operations
This investment goes beyond a building—it secures safety, stability, and a brighter future for children who need help most.
