VALDOSTA — An agency dedicated to the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse cases severed the financial ties that used to bind it Tuesday.

Shortly after 5 p.m., Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. Executive Director Laurie Bajalia and Certified Public Accountant Denise Rackley pulled out their lighters in preparation for a little mortgage burning. A crowd of 100-plus supporters cheered as the documents went up in flames and fell to the ground in ashes.

“We’ve worked hard for this day,” said Ellen Golden, chairwoman of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. Board of Directors. “We have finally succeeded in raising enough money to pay off the mortgage, and we are really excited.”

In April 2004, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. purchased property situated at 200 W. Moore St. at a cost of about $186,000. Bajalia and others worried about making the estimated $900 a month mortgage payments over the next 15 years, while making necessary repairs and upgrades.

A capital campaign ensued, led by Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. board members Delthia Conrad and Pat Seco Cordova. The two were visibly ecstatic Tuesday about the raising of over $220,000, with another $50,000 in pledges coming in the near future.

“We are really thankful and grateful for the response we received,” Cordova said. “We have been overwhelmed with how generous everyone has been to us over the past months.”

During the celebration, Conrad recognized those individuals, families and corporations that contributed funds to the campaign. They earned the right to name one of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc.’s 10 rooms or the playground in honor or memory of a loved one.

Afterwards, Cordova proceeded to dedicate the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. facility in memory of Delores M. Parrish, a longtime employee of The Langdale Company. Given by The Langdale Foundation, the gift recognizes Parrish’s dedication, loyalty, and trustworthiness over the course of 50-plus years.

“I cannot tell you how truly, truly honored I am ...,” she said. “I feel like queen for a day.”

Passersby will now look at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. and refer to it as the Delores M. Parrish Children’s Center. A new sign was erected Tuesday before the celebration came to an end.

The Children's Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. provides videotaped interviews of child abuse victims in safe, child-friendly surroundings to avoid multiple interviews, reduce the trauma of disclosure, and preserve statements for court purposes; crisis intervention and emotional support for victims and non-offending family members and access to the victim's compensation system; psychotherapy services, offered on-site or through referral, to help child victims begin the healing process; forensic medical exams, offered on-site or through referral, utilizing specialized equipment necessary for accurate diagnoses; and interdisciplinary review of cases by teams of professionals, including law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical mental health, victim assistance and child advocacy.

“Through caring we are able to help children deal with the guilt, the scars, the pent up emotions, the uncertainty, the fear, the embarrassment, the hurt, and the trauma of the abuse,” Bajalia told those in attendance. “We want to help them to heal, to become whole again and regain hope for their future.”



--------------------

The Room Dedications



• The Lobby was named in honor of Mary C. Crane, a gift from The Crane Family Foundation.

• The Therapeutic Counseling, Play Therapy, Support Groups Room was named in memory of Carro Nell Talley, a gift from The R.A. Griffin Family Foundation.

• The Multi-Disciplinary Team Room was named in honor of Dr. Jan Loeffler, a gift from family and friends.

• The Forensic Interview Room was named in memory of Evelyn H. Culbreth and Anne Q. Murray, a gift from Bill and Madge Culbreth.

• The Mental Health Therapy Room was named in memory of Starr Howell Tart, a gift from Dr. and Mrs. Hank Moseley and family.

• The Clinical Therapy/Executive Director Room was named in memory of Sam Bajalia Sr., a gift from Sam Bajalia Jr.

• The Case Management Room was named in memory of Albert S. Pendleton Jr., a gift from Jerry and Kay Jennett.

• The Playroom was named in honor of Laurie Anne Bajalia, a gift from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. Board of Directors.

• The Office Manager Room was named in honor of Quota International of Valdosta, a gift from Quota International of Valdosta.

• The Kitchen was named in memory of Lorraine W. Thorne, a gift from Delthia T. Conrad.

• The Playground was named in honor of Joan W. Lawson, a gift from Dr. Quentin T. Lawson, and in honor of Joshua and Kimble Hunt, a gift from Terry and Mary Lynn Hunt.