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​Success Stories
Excerpts From Some Gingerbread House Children's Advocacy Center Families
From a victim's grandmother: My granddaughter is a victim of sexual abuse. At the time we found this out we were referred to the Gingerbread House. That was the best thing that could have happened at that time. My granddaughter or myself could never manage to make it without the staff at the Gingerbread House. The whole staff, from the office to the counselor, is and always has been very considerate and helpful. She is still seeing the Therapist there and we look forward to each visit. It really helps us through the month.
From a victim's mother: The care and nurturing my son has received from the Gingerbread House has in a sense, brought him back to life. The incident forced my son into regression. After our first visit, I saw some change in his disposition. After a few months there was even a bigger change. He looks forward to every visit and his spirits brighten to an extent that I thought I'd never see again. The Gingerbread House is a haven, a place for hope for both child and parent. Without it, we'd be lost in society.
From a victim's mother: Although formal charges have yet to be made against the accused, my one saving grace has been knowing I am doing all that I can to protect my children with the help of the Gingerbread House. The Gingerbread House has been our only source of good help and good information. Though the facility is modest, it is always the staff who makes the difference. You couldn't find a more qualified, caring staff anywhere.
I have been a passionate supporter of the Gingerbread House for the past 13 years. As a person who is involved with many nonprofit organizations across our community... the Gingerbread House is the one that you can't argue with me about!
As a Children's Advocacy Center, the staff at the Gingerbread House deal with one of the most difficult issues facing our society... childhood abuse, both sexual and physical. The Gingerbread House provides education, acceptance, love, and most importantly... HOPE for the children who are suffering most. Child abuse does not discriminate... it affects children from all walks of life....all races and socio economic situations. It affects children that we all know.
Over the course of the past 20 years, the GBH has saved the tax payers of Caddo Parish more than 10 million dollars... and while that's an amazing feat... it doesn't compare to the work that happens there every single day. There is no price tag for that work..... for it is priceless.
Ballengee Foundation
Gingerbread House Board Member
Waynette Ballengee
Before Gingerbread House was formed in 1998, abused children would often be subjected to multiple interviews, often 5-8 interviews, by law enforcement, child protective services, and others. These interviews would take place at the police or sheriff's stations, typically in very sterile and plain environments that were not child-friendly in the least. As a result, less than 5% of cases were being successfully prosecuted. We knew there had to be a better way, so we looked at national models and best practices, and moved forward with establishing the Gingerbread House Children's Advocacy Center. For the past 20 years that we've had the Gingerbread House, children are now interviewed once by trained forensic interviewers employed by the Gingerbread House, in child-friendly rooms. Law enforcement and child protective services monitor the interviews in an adjacent room. We have expanded our outreach from Caddo and Bossier parishes, to all of northwest Louisiana, including Webster, DeSoto, Bienville, Claiborne, Natchitoches, Red River and Sabine parishes. We have also added free counseling services to the victims and their families, as well as a comprehensive prevention education program for children and adults in the community. Currently, over 96% of cases accepted for prosecution are successfully prosecuted. What was once a dream...helping children who had been hurt...has indeed become a reality through the Gingerbread House.
Attorney at Law
Gingerbread House Founding Member
David L. White
Everything went dark the moment we learned of the abuse our child had endured. We were in unfamiliar surroundings and had no idea where to turn for support. We had so many questions, yet had no idea where to find the answers? What should our next step be? How do we help our child overcome the pain, fear, and sadness that this person has caused? How will we help our child to find happiness and the ability to trust again? Thankfully, we were made aware of the Gingerbread House. The team at the Gingerbread House is an amazing group of people who focus on healing not only the child who has endured abuse, but also the immediate family. They have been an amazing source of support during a very confusing and difficult time. We cannot turn back time and take away the pain that our child has endured, however we can ensure our child has the tools necessary to heal the pain and find hope for the future. As a mother, it is impossible to truly describe how blessed we are to have the support of the Gingerbread House. Thanks to their team, our child and the rest of our family have found light beyond the darkness.
Victim's Mother
Teresa Sanders
Thank You for making me feel safe
8 Year Old Male Child Abuse Survivor
The Gingerbread House you learn about so many important things you need to know in life. You might think you don't need it, but it helps. You are able to understand so much. Counseling is great because they help you grown in Life, even if you are feeling down they can cheer you right back up.
13 Year Old Female Child Abuse Survivor
Counseling has helped me work through my trauma. It has shown me I am stronger than I thought I could be. Because of counseling am still alive and I can finally move forward.
14-Year-old Female Child Abuse Survivor
Since I have had services from the Gingerbread House, My life has improved because instead of choices being made for me, they are being made with me.
15 year old Child abuse Survivor
Names withheld to protect the children's identities.
It is the policy of the Gingerbread House Children's Advocacy Center to provide employment, recruitment and training of volunteers, and services to clients without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Any grievance may be reported to Gingerbread House CAC at info@gingerbreadhousecac.org or 318-674-2900, to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement at lcle.la.gov, or to the Office of Civil Rights at https://www.ojp.gov/program/civil-rights. Contact the Louisiana Legislative Auditor Hotline if you suspect theft, fraud, waste, or abuse of public funds by anyone at 1-844-50-FRAUD (1-844-503-7283) or https://www.lla.la.gov/report-fraud to complete an online report.
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- 1700 Buckner Street, Suite 101, Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 674-2900