PACO Co-Founder Joins Board of Directors for Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center
By Elizabeth Reinhardt
In July, PACO co-Founder and CEO Ozzie Godinez continued his commitment to helping the children of Chicago by joining the Board of Directors at the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. The CCAC is a non-profit organization that strives to help children who are victims of sexual abuse by helping to coordinate the investigation, executing the forensic interview and offering support services for the family and child after the fact.
“When I first met Ozzie, I was impressed with his warmth and his sincere desire to help us in our mission to support child victims of sexual abuse,” said CCAC Executive Director Char Rivette. “Given the success of PACO, and his desire to use his skills to benefit the children we serve here, he is a perfect fit to help in our mission.”
The CCAC changed the system of interviewing and interacting with child abuse victims. Before opening in 2001, abused children in Chicago had to tell their story to between 10 and 15 different people in multiple locations. Based on the model used by the CCAC, the child tells his or her story only once, in a safe, child-friendly location. Since opening, the organization has hosted a multitude of both domestic and international child welfare groups looking to learn more about their model.
“Joining the CCAC is an honor and a very natural decision for me, one that I will not take lightly,” said Godinez. “As a parent, the safety and well-being of ALL children is a cause that I am proud to be a part of and a mission that I have and will continue to tirelessly support.”
Visit the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center website for more information about the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, their programs, how to help or what to do if you suspect a child is being abused.
