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Heart to Heart :
:

eart to H
H
eart
The Community's Heart is

Our Children

by Karen Coney Coplin

ike many of us, you may think of The staff & partner agencies of CCAC remain with families
Naples as a place where every child is throughout investigations and recovery at no charge. The impact Elder Law and Special Needs
Lsafe and carefree. However, I learned is significant: over 1,400 children and their family members were
the sobering truth behind the large bright blue helped last year to overcome the trauma associated with abuse. Planning with Care, Clarity
pinwheel displays at Lowdermilk Park in the Furthermore, caregivers reported that their child felt safe at CACC,
past, from a moving Collier Child Advocacy and the center's therapy outcomes are among the best in the state.
Center (CACC) presentation I heard at Despite these successes, misconceptions may persist. No and Compassion.
Baker Park recently. These displays community is immune despite safeguards or its relative crime
represent children in rate. Abuse happens here, plain and simple. Also, CCAC is not
our own community who have been affected by abuse. a government agency; it is an independent nonprofit that relies
As the organization behind this message, CCAC exists on community support. This support can be financial, but it
to improve the lives of children who have experienced abuse, also includes volunteering, donating comfort items, or spreading
providing a transformative team approach to recovery. Previously, awareness. The website, caccollier.org is a helpful resource to visit,
a child might be shuffled between hospitals, police stations, share, & offer your support and involvement.
and courtrooms, forced to repeat their story and experience the You can see this mission in action at a CACC signature event
trauma of "retelling" on multiple occasions. called "Pinwheels @ the Pier," (held this year at Lowdermilk Park Attorneys Amanda Dorio and Lisa Goddy help
CCAC changed that by providing a calm, child-friendly on April 3, 2026, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.). The hundreds of pinwheels
space where medical exams, forensic interviews, therapy, and lining the coast serve as a reminder that protecting children is a Southwest Florida families make informed decisions
advocacy occur under one roof. Here, a child typically shares shared responsibility. Organizations like CCAC make Naples not about the future. They provide guidance rooted in
their story only once with a trained professional while other just a beautiful place to live, but a safer one. compassion and experience in matters of estate Lisa Goddy Amanda M. Dorio
necessary agencies observe, ensuring the process moves forward Whether Naples is your home seasonally or year-round, our planning, long-term care strategies, Medicaid eligibility, Estate Planning & Estate Planning &
with compassion. community has an enduring history of caring for those in need. special needs trusts and guardianship. Trust Administration Trust Administration
Support for organizations like CCAC reflects our shared values Elder Law Elder Law
and the vital commitment to healing the vulnerable for a better and Whether you’re preparing your own documents or Guardianship Guardianship
stronger future for all of us. supporting a loved one through life’s transitions, Amanda
As Bryan Lee, the CCAC Director of Development, explained, and Lisa take the time to understand your goals and
"The bigger picture is about creating a community where every
offer practical solutions that protect your loved ones and
child is protected and where every case is met with real compassion
give you peace of mind – just as we’ve done since 1924.
and coordinated care."
Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with suggestions
for future article coverage, which is often centered on charitable
organizations in Naples and the programs/services these groups offer.
Recognized in henlaw.com
Additionally, for more vignettes about life in Naples, give her a follow 2026 by Best 239.344.1100
on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers Law Firms © Fort Myers
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