Blog

From Volunteering to Full-Time at FCP

Meet Shelby Hughes From Our CAC!

July 28, 2025

“Kids come in—families too—often scared and unsure of what’s going to happen. They can be closed off—it’s hard to immediately trust someone. But after visiting us at the Child Advocacy Center, they feel heard and supported. They often don’t want to leave.”

Shelby’s story is one of transformation—her own, and now, the transformation she helps others achieve. Her path with Family & Children’s Place (FCP) began as a high school senior at Holy Cross, searching for a service project. When she started volunteering at FCP, she knew she had found her calling. That early experience inspired her to pursue a degree in counseling, with a goal to help children heal.

She stayed connected with Becky League, our CAC Director, throughout college, hoping a position would eventually open. When an opportunity became available, Shelby jumped at the chance, balancing her work at the CAC while completing both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. This May, she officially joined the CAC team as our Mental Health Therapist after passing her Kentucky Social Work Board exam to become a certified social worker.

“I wanted to be part of a child’s journey of healing,” Shelby shared. “One person can have a huge impact on a child’s life, and I wanted to help.”

That impact is more important than ever. “This is the busiest we’ve ever been,” she said. Before Shelby’s return, children who needed counseling had to be referred outside the agency. Now, therapy is available on-site—where children already feel safe and supported.

Shelby’s role goes beyond one-on-one therapy. She connects families with resources, and ensures therapy is integrated into the full range of CAC services. Counseling is a critical part of the care we provide for children who have experienced sexual or physical abuse, trafficking, online exploitation, or have witnessed violent crimes.

“We know trauma has long-term effects,” she explained. “If untreated, it can follow a child into adulthood and lead to physical and mental health challenges. I’m excited that we could bring this service to our clients.”

Shelby uses trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), which guides children through specific healing steps—including writing their own trauma narrative. When they complete the program, we celebrate their graduation with their favorite dessert and a small gift bag, thanks to our friends at HealthTrackRX.

“It can be extremely difficult and painful for clients to go through,” Shelby said. “So, we celebrate their hard work as much as possible.”

Since Shelby joined us, three individuals have already completed the program and graduated.

When a child graduates from therapy, Shelby allows them to paint a butterfly — a gentle, powerful symbol of change. In therapy, butterflies represent transformation, hope, and new beginnings. That’s exactly what she brings to the children she serves: resilience, freedom, and the chance to emerge from their trauma stronger than before.

And she’s just getting started. Shelby dreams of growing the mental health team and creating support groups tailored by age—not only for the children we serve, but for their parents and caregivers, too. The need is great, and with your continued support, we can rise to meet it.

Thanks to your generosity, children can begin healing in a safe, familiar space—starting their transformation the moment they walk in. “Thank you,” Shelby said. “This is so big for our clients, and I’m so happy we’re now able to provide this.”