Page 49 - April 2015 Life In Naples Magazine

footsteps and that I would never have a good life.” “Because of multiple incidents of
“When I was about fourteen years old, my sister and I started
abuse I was in and out of the foster
going to church, and were overwhelmed with the acceptance and
love we experienced from people who didn’t even know us. It was care system. I lost family members
the first time we ever heard the words “I’m proud of you.” I found
the same kind of acceptance at the CAC, and that’s when I got the to drug overdoses, and others to
courage to let go of my terrible secret and begin my healing. It’s a
nurturing place, painted bright with kid colors; there are pictures incarceration... I was often told that I’d
on the walls, toys, and stuffed animals. I had to go into extreme
detail about my experience, but the Child Protection Team staff follow in my relatives’ footsteps and
made me feel comfortable about my disclosures. Later, I met my
advocate, Meghan Greene, who helped me through the long legal ”that I would never have a good life.
process. Because of the detail I was able to provide, the Child
Protection Team and the police were able to track down other Foundation, the founders of the Winter Wine Festival, “a patron
girls who had been victims of this abuser, and their stories were came up to me and said that he was inspired by my story. I was
the same. Thankfully this man is now in jail where he can’t hurt genuinely shocked that someone who gave so much to the
people anymore.” community and helped me through supporting the CAC would be
inspired by who I have become.”
“After my case was finished, Meghan asked if I would be willing
to share my story. Now, I speak both to individuals and to large “I’m over 21 now, no longer a child, but the CAC is still in my
groups. People tell me that I am helping change lives, but I believe corner. I am glad, now, to be able to do that for others.”
that it has changed my life the most.”
To learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier
Antoinette is currently enjoying her job as a pet groomer. It has County and how you can help, visit www.caccollier.org. Or call
been a nurturing experience and given her time to contemplate, as 239.263.8383.
her plans for the future continue to evolve.

“I now realize that I can help others by sharing my story, and
speaking on behalf of abused children,” she says. “After one of my
talks recently,” to a group from the Naples Children & Education

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Doug Just Sold I Old Naples and the Beach Naples Specialist

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Life in Naples | April 2015 49