Posted on Jul 8, 2025 in
NEWSWORTHY
Dr. Greg Williams, nationally recognized advocate and survivor of childhood abuse, will be the keynote speaker at the “Voices for Children Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon” September 12th.
After Fort Bend serving over 20,000 Fort Bend County children who have been abused or neglected for 34 years, Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) is launching a county-wide initiative for the prevention and early intervention of child abuse in Fort Bend County. Supported by area child welfare agencies and community partners, the goal is to reduce the number of children experiencing abuse through the new Child Abuse Prevention Collaborative (CAP-C) dedicated to prevention efforts throughout the region.
Child abuse is a public health epidemic impacting children across our county every year. For over three decades, Child Advocates of Fort Bend Bend has been focused on helping children who have already experienced abuse. It’s time now to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.
“It will take all of us working together to address this issue. But we know that much of abuse is preventable, and it’s time for us to put our children’s safety at the top of Fort Bend County’s priorities for the health and wellbeing of our children, the stability of our families and the strength of our community,” said Ruthanne Mefford, CEO of Child Advocates of Fort Bend.
More than 400 community leaders, advocates, and concerned citizens will gather at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land on Friday, September 12, 2025, for the Voices for Children Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon, to raise critical funds and awareness for the protection and healing of children affected by abuse and neglect. Sponsors to date are the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation and OCuSoft, Inc.
Headlining this year’s program is Dr. Greg Williams, a nationally recognized advocate and survivor of childhood abuse, whose powerful keynote will inspire guests to stand up and speak out for vulnerable children.
Hosted by Child Advocates of Fort Bend, the luncheon aims to raise $600,000 to sustain services for over 500 children currently receiving forensic interviews, therapy, and advocacy — and expand life-saving prevention education to 500 additional children and parents in the coming year.
“The voices of children often go unheard. This event is a chance to amplify those voices — fund the tools and care they desperately need,” said Mefford.
The afternoon program will also highlight stories of impact, offer opportunities to give, and recognize local partners working to break the cycle of abuse.
Did you know? 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be victims of sexual abuse by the age of 18 years old. But the issue is often dismissed by our residents who falsely think that “abuse doesn’t happen here.” Child Advocates of Fort Bend served 3500 children and families last year who were victims of abuse – all from Fort Bend County. And many parents are holding onto the fear of “stranger danger.” This is a dangerous myth, and it puts our children in harm’s way. Over 90% of abuse is caused by someone the child knows.
Many parents question if anything can be done. Yes, over 70% of abuse is preventable. Of all the children we already know about and who are receiving services from Child Advocates of Fort Bend, only 1 in 10 children who are being sexually abused has told anyone. That means thousands more children will experience abuse here in our community. It’s time to break the silence!
It’s time to step up and PROTECT OUR CHILDREN. It’s time to be a part of a movement to PREVENT CHILD ABUSE in Fort Bend County.
Sponsorships of $2,000 – $25,000 are available. To sponsor or for information, contact Lisa Moore at LMoore@cafb.org. By becoming a sponsor your name will be included among those who have publicly denounced child abuse in our community. Your name will be included in our marketing and social media as well as banners which will be prominently displayed throughout our county.
For more information on Child Abuse Prevention, to request a speaker, or to view a list of topics available for presentations, visit www.cafb.org or contact Dana at DMersiovsky@cafb.org.
