Blog, Press Releases

Creations from fiber, textile group child-friendly, help reduce stress from trauma

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2015) – The Kosair Charities Child Advocacy Center (KCCAC), which works with child victims of sexual and physical abuse, is hosting an open house tonight, Oct. 27, to unveil wall art pieces created and donated by LAFTA, the Louisville Area Fiber and Textile Artists.

The open invitation event, from 6-7:30 p.m., is the culmination of countless volunteer hours by LAFTA members preparing, planning, researching the KCCAC and its mission, and creating the artwork for the walls to help reduce stress and make every child’s visit more welcoming and comfortable.

The open house is on the campus of Family & Children’s Place, 1000 S. 5th St. (corner of W.  Kentucky and S. 5^th streets), in Old Louisville, and light refreshments will be served.

“We are proud to work with LAFTA and absolutely thrilled to reveal these amazing art pieces created by these wonderfully talented women,” said Becky League, director of the child advocacy center. “Everything at the center is aimed at making the child feel safe and comfortable, so this art adds another important element to help put children and their families at ease.”

Last year, the KCCAC served more than 1,300 child victims of abuse – primarily sexual abuse, but some physical abuse cases as well – with multidisciplinary team investigations, forensic interviews, specialized medical and mental healthcare, and victim advocacy.

In every case, the goal is to identify, investigate and prosecute the offender, and to ensure appropriate therapy for the child victim and his or her family to restore them to being happy and healthy. This is all managed by a multidisciplinary team comprising police, prosecutors, trauma-trained pediatricians and Child Protective Services, all supported by forensic interviewers and therapists.

Founded in 1995, LAFTA is an organization of local visual artists whose work encompasses an array of surface design and construction techniques. Members range in age from students to seniors, and in skill level from beginners to professional artists. The two-fold mission of LAFTA is to provide support and information to its members, and to increase community awareness and understanding of fiber and textile arts.

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Family & Children’s Place works to protect Kentuckiana children, families and communities from abuse, neglect and exploitation and, through research-based, trauma-informed services, help them heal. The organization has supported families for more than 127 years and today serves approximately 5,000 children and families annually. For more information about Family and Children’s Place, visit www.famchildplace.org or call 502-893-3900.