Learn about Shreveport's child advocacy group, Gingerbread House, ahead of its annual luncheon
A Shreveport-based children's advocacy center is getting ready for one of the most anticipated events of the year. On Oct. 5, the Gingerbread House will be hosting their Partners in Prevention Luncheon.
For the past 10 years, this luncheon has served not only as a fun break in the work week but also as a time for citizens of the Shreveport-Bossier area to learn more about the vital work done at the Gingerbread House.
The Gingerbread House is a community-based, non-profit organization that works collectively with law enforcement, child protective services, the district attorney's offices and medical and mental health professionals to investigate, prosecute and treat cases of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse.
"We serve nine parishes," said Jessica Miller, CEO of Gingerbread House. "We conduct what are known as forensic interviews... in a setting that's not as intimidating as maybe going to a police station, sheriff's department."
These interviews are performed by trained forensic interviewers who do one on one sessions that are later used for the child's statement.
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What to know about the Gingerbread House
In June 1998, the Gingerbread House opened its doors. Through its 24 years of operation, it has directly served over 14,279 children affected by child abuse.
Miller said, " it started out of a group of concerned citizens who knew that when they looked at the statistics for the time that they analyzed, there were 1,385 valid allegations of abuse, and out of that number less than 5% were being successfully prosecuted in court."
Today prosecution rates are at 97%.
The Gingerbread House allows children to tell their stories in a warm inviting space with interviewers who are trained to work with them and provide support during a challenging times.
Prior to 1998, children in Northwest Louisiana were forced to relay their stories of abuse to five or even more adults. This system caused interview fatigue, " their disclosures were sounding different," said Miller.
Today the Gingerbread House serves nine parishes of the 4th and 5th congressional districts and carries the highest forensic interview caseload out of the 15 child advocacy centers in the state of Louisiana.
Its mission is to lessen the trauma experienced by child abuse victims as allegations are investigated and to provide support for the child throughout the investigation, prosecution and treatment phases of cases.
"We just want kids to know that it's not their fault and that they don't have to be defined by what's happened to them. I want to walk alongside them for their healing journey and then see them out and be successful," said Miller.
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Gingerbread House: Luncheon
On Oct. 5, the Gingerbread House will be hosting its annual Partners in Prevention Luncheon. This year's MCs will be Dan and Jacque Jovic from NBC 6, and the guest speaker will be Rebekah Gregory.
Each year speakers are chosen for their ties to Gingerbread's mission. In the past, they have had speakers such as Elizabeth Smart, Beth Holloway, John Walsh, Marilyn Van Derbur, Dave Pelzer and many others.
Gregory is a Boston Marathon bombing survivor who lost her leg in the explosion. Following the tragic incident, she became a writer and founder of Rebecca Angels Foundation which helps cover the cost of counseling for kids who have gone through trauma.
Miller said, "we feel it is imperative for everyone, especially young people and abuse/trauma survivors, to hear Rebekah's inspiring message of triumph over adversity."
Along with a dynamic speaker, a raffle will take place throughout the luncheon. "Different businesses around the community step up and donate really cool gifts," said Julianna Parks, President of the board of directors for the Gingerbread House. "You just have to put your name in an envelope."
If you are interested in donating or attending this luncheon contact the Gingerbread House at 318-674-2900 for more information.
Learn more:Check out the new Highland neighborhood community center in Shreveport
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Learn about Gingerbread house, child advocacy at annual lunch
