Shelby County Today

April 22, 2020 - Since 2012, the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center has hosted a Butterfly Release during the month of April to recognize April as Child Abuse Awareness Month.

In the past the Butterfly Release has been held at 4:30pm which is why this story was posted today at this time. April 22nd was the planned day for the 2020 Butterfly release, however, COVID-19 has caused so many community events to be cancelled which is why Shelby County Today released these electronic butterflies on the Around Town page.

The Butterfly release is an event which doesn't raise money but raises awareness. In the 2017 Butterfly Release, City of Center Mayor David Chadwick spoke and told the story of the butterfly. "Remember the Indian Legend of the butterfly and what it means and how we had learned you would tell a butterfly a secret." He continued to explain the butterfly is symbolic of the gesture that we try to instill in a child to tell someone what their problems are. According to the legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens to be granted.

Statistics - During fiscal year 2019, 59,919 children receive critical services at a children’s advocacy center in Texas. 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.

Out of 59,919 child victims served at a CAC in Texas last year:

• 98% KNEW their alleged perpetrator.
• 47% were between the ages of 6 and 12.
• 35% of these children are male.
• 65% of these children are female.

​Resources:

• Shelbycountycac.com - Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center
• CACTX.org - Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas
• Childwelfare.gov - National child Abuse Prevention Month 2020 Strong and Thriving Families
• Preventchildabuse.org - 2020 Child Abuse Prevention Month

April 22, 2020 - The Joaquin Senior Center will remain closed through Friday, May 29. During and after that time, we will reassess.

Questions and comments, please call 269-3975 and leave answering machine message. Stay safe and healthy!

April 20, 2020 - McKade Mettauer was recently recognized by University of California Berkeley as Jonathan and Judy Hoff Scholar - Athlete of the Week.

Mettauer was recognized for taking ownership of his academic development by focusing on the impact of day-to-day tasks and resources via consistent routines. McKade has been praised by tutorial support staff for coming to sessions with an inquisitive mindset and reflective inquiries, yearning to understand key concepts in a focused and patient manner. Beyond his dedication in the classroom and on the field, he is a member of Athletes in Action, an organization that empowers communities of athletes around the globe to use sports as a platform to help people answer questions of faith via meaningful service. By maintaining a very centered and selfless approach to his Cal journey, he is well on his way to building an impactful social network and creating a dynamic personal brand.

McKade is the son of Mark and Marissa Mettauer of The Woodlands and the grandson of Joe Bill and Connie Mettauer of Center.

To view his profile on the 2020 Cal Spring Football Roster, click here. 

The Jonathan and Judy Hoff Scholar - Athlete of the Week was created to recognize the academic development and achievements of its football student athletes.

April 14, 2020 - The staff and board members of the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center are still working in our efforts to serve the children of our community. We are doing our best to limit contact when possible while continuing to fulfill our mission. We are available to our agency partners and are providing forensic interviews and case staffings as needs arise. Additionally, our counselors are conducting counseling sessions via telehealth. We have provided alternative means of contact to existing clients and agency partners, but we are also checking phone messages at the office on a regular basis. These are difficult times for so many families, and we are here to help in whatever way we can.