Not just building back — but building forward, together.

Is a fundraising initiative born out of both devastation and determination.

In 2022, Hurricane Ian destroyed Collier CAC’s primary facility, a space that for years had provided comfort, protection and healing to hundreds of children and families. In the storm’s wake, Collier CAC was forced to split operations between two temporary rental locations. While its mission continued, new challenges arose due to the added layers of coordination, collaboration and complexities that come with fragmented care.

And yet, we never stopped showing up. Now, it’s time to build not just back – but forward.

CAMPAIGN FOCUS AREAS

A Central Hub for Healing

The cornerstone of this fundraising Initiative is a trauma-informed, purpose-built facility that will bring together every core service under one roof so that healing can begin the moment a child walks through our doors.

What will this look like?

Therapy Rooms

Designed with input from our mental health professionals, these rooms will be warm, comfortable, and private, providing a calm space where children can open up at their own pace. They will be equipped with soft lighting, welcoming décor, and evidence-based tools for trauma recovery, art therapy, and play therapy.

Nursery room with beige sofa, small round wooden table with two chairs, a large potted plant, wooden bookshelf with books, a teddy bear, a cabinet, and a computer desk with a chair.
Living room with pastel-colored furniture, abstract wall art, a large plant, and soft lighting.

Shared Staff and Support Areas

With all departments – child protection team, advocacy, therapy, and parenting – located together, our new space will allow staff to collaborate more fluidly, ensuring children and families receive holistic support from day one.

Additional features:

• Private meeting rooms and flexible group therapy spaces

• Designated debriefing areas for caregivers

• Secure, discreet entrances for families

• On-site storage and supply areas to support emergency needs (clothing, school, supplies, comfort items)

Interview & Observation Rooms

Children will participate in forensic interviews in rooms intentionally designed to reduce anxiety. These spaces will feel more like a home than an office, with soft textures, muted tones, and child-friendly furniture that create a safe haven.

A cozy children's therapy or playroom with a yellow couch, light blue armchair, round wooden table with a smiling bear lamp, bookshelf filled with colorful books, a potted plant, a window with a shade, and a computer desk with an office chair.
Display of various colorful decorated acorns on a tree illustration with the words 'Seeds of Strength' at the top.
Wall display titled 'The Canopy of Hope' featuring a large tree with green and beige leaves, with names listed beneath the branches.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Call to Action for “Lifting Up. Building Strength.”

We are lifting up children who have faced abuse and we’re building a safe place so they can find the strength they need to move forward. But we can’t do it alone.

Your gift will:

• Provide free, life-changing care to vulnerable children and families

• Eliminate service delays and reduce the trauma of navigating disconnected systems

• Invest in a sustainable future for Collier CAC’s staff and programs

• Help break the generational cycle of abuse in Collier County

This is the moment to act. The need is urgent. The path is clear.

Together, we lift up those who need us most.