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Gov. Patrick Morrisey and lawmakers could -- and should -- have their hands full with work that would support the most vulnerable children in West Virginia if they would just drop the political nonsense and remember who they serve.
But that said, there are small steps being taken that somehow remind us all the more just how monumental the task really is. Last week, Morrisey announced more than $2 million in Child Advocacy Center grant funding. That $2 million will be split among 22 projects across the state, including our own Marion County Child Advocacy Center, which received $81,318.36, and Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center, which received $83,245.41, to provide forensic interviews, evaluations, victim advocacy, case coordination and more services to child abuse victims in Marion and Monongalia counties and north-central West Virginia, according to the governor's office.
From Change Inc. in Hancock and Brooke counties to Stop the Hurt Inc. in McDowell and Wyoming counties, and all points in between, these organizations step in for children when no one else can or will.
“Protecting West Virginia’s children is one of our most important responsibilities," Morrisey said. “These grants ensure that children who have experienced abuse receive the care, advocacy, and support they need while helping law enforcement, prosecutors, medical professionals, and child advocates work together to pursue justice and protect our most vulnerable citizens.”
While our communities are grateful for those willing to work for children who need the advocacy centers, every single one of us must be working toward the day when their task is not so crushing -- when the need for those services is occasional rather than constant.