New Directions Academy students help clean up new child advocacy center

Stacks and stacks of black 30-gallon trash bags filled with crushed insulation and other debris filled the corner of a room in a 2,500 square-foot building off Spencer Mill Road that will open in July as the 23rd Judicial District Child Advocacy Center.

Last Friday a group of 36 students from New Directions Academy arrived early with their sleeves rolled up ready to do their part in helping get the building in shape before opening day.

“I just can’t believe how much work they’ve done today,” said Debi Thomas, president of the center’s board.

Once open, the center will provide a safe place so a multidisciplinary team made up of law enforcement and Department of Children’s Services officials can provide comprehensive services to children dealing with sexual and physical abuse as well as their non-offending family members.

Dickson businessman Phil Hall, owner of Phil Hall Electric, donated the building for the center.

The community, including churches, civic groups and schools, has donated their time to help ready the center, Thomas said.

“St. John’s Lutheran Church, homebuilders and civic groups have helped out tremendously,” Thomas added.

Thomas said there is a huge need for the center.

“This center will provide the children in Dickson and surrounding counties a child-friendly place to tell their stories,” she said.

The center has applied for several grants to help with the project.

Originally published Thursday, May 5, 2005