1.
{
Community Service
Project
Amanda Morgan
Troy University
April 24, 2014
KHP 2240
Dr. Bush

2.
Gulf Coast Kid's House is a children's advocacy center serving Escambia County. As a children's advocacy
center, they combine all of the professionals and resources needed for the intervention, investigation and
prosecution of child abuse cases under one child-friendly facility. Child victims and their families also
receive mental health counseling at the center. The goal of Gulf Coast Kid's House is to form a more
collaborative response to child abuse cases so that they can improve case outcomes and minimize trauma
to the children and families they serve.

3.
I had the honor of spending time at the Gulf Coast Kids House-- located at 3401 N. 12th Avenue
in Pensacola, Florida--volunteering doing many things. My favorite was interacting with the
children that were there. As to be expected, photography was not allowed for the protection of
the families, nor would it be appropriate. I was not there for a “look at me” reason or to take the
perfect volunteer selfie, I was there to help, to make a difference.
I felt such an overwhelming rush of emotions as my day volunteering began. It was heartbreaking
to hear the stories and to witness the professionals assisting children, that where fresh out of an
abusive situation. I had to quickly compose myself and focus on being a reliable resource for the
house instead of a “basket case”. I enjoyed watching the children play and their ability to be so
resilent even though they had experienced such trauma.

4.
I was alarmed at the abuse rate of children in the area. Every year in Escambia County over
4300 reports of suspected child abuse are received by the Department of Children and Families.
Here is the latest numbers reported:
Children’s Services Summary
February 2014
Child Protective Investigators – Department of Children and Families
*148 New investigations of child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, or neglect initiated by the seven Department of Children and
Families Investigators located within Gulf Coast Kid’s House
*162 Child victims identified in Gulf Coast Kid’s House based Department of Children and Families reports
Child Protection Team – 90Works
*46 Children assessed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) based at Gulf Coast Kid’s House
*38 Medical examinations provided
Sexual/Physical Abuse Treatment Program – Lutheran Services Florida
*85 Children and non-offending caregivers receiving individual, family and group counseling services through Lutheran Services
Florida.
*14 Children referred to LSF for treatment in response to sexual abuse.
Demographics of Children Served
40% Boys 60% Girls
57% Six years old or under 82% 12 years old or under
Types of Abuse Reported
25% Abuse reports contain allegations of physical abuse
12% Abuse reports contain allegations of sexual abuse
89% Alleged offenders reported to be a parent, relative, or other caregiver

5.
On January 18, 2014, Jubilee
By The Bay held their 2nd
Annual Mardi Gras Run, Walk,
or Drag with Color. It was a
casual fun filled run where
participants are doused in
purple, green, and gold
throughout the course. The
fee to run the race was given
directly to the Gulf Coast Kids
House.
After volunteering for GCKH,
and seeing all the good they
do, I could not pass up a
chance to be able to donate
more to them. So, I signed my
family- and some of my
children’s friends,-up to RUN
for such a great cause!

6.
As my family and I
completed the race I
could not help but get
emotional at the Finish
sign. What a sweet day
it will be when we are
indeed FINISHED with
our children being
abused and neglected!