Don't Turn Away Campaign
St. Luke's Child Protection Center offers safety and comfort for abused children.
In August 2008, the Child Protection Center opened its doors to serve children from 50 of Iowa's 99 counties.
Working with law enforcement and the Department of Human Services, staff at the center identify cases of child abuse, develop a plan for protecting a child from future abuse, and provide counseling and support to children and family members. What's more, the center helps lessen child abuse in Iowa by working with law enforcement officials to hold perpetrators accountable.
The center's significant work in protecting and supporting children was possible because of the generosity of thousands of Eastern Iowans. To date, the Don't Turn Away campaign for the Child Protection Center has raised more than $4.5 million towards start-up expenses and ongoing support.
"The Center has made such a difference for the children we serve," said Sue Tesdahl, the center's director. "Smiles light up their faces the moment they walk into a center that's filled with murals, toys, and a salt water aquarium. Those smiles are made possible by all of the generous gifts we received as part of this effort. We are so grateful to all of the donors who support our kids."
Currently, the Center has raised enough through its endowment fund to cover approximately one-fifth of its annual operations cost. Gifts to support the center's ongoing efforts to protect children in the months and years ahead are still encouraged.
