The Child Advocacy Center of Smith County serves child victims of physical and sexual abuse and strives to protect and restore the lives of abused children through team investigations, healing services, community outreach and strategic partnerships. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph File)

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County hosted a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday for its new building.

“Celebrating the opening of the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Smith County’s new home with the supporters who made this dream a reality is an exciting day in the history of our organization,” Chief Executive Officer Terri Smith said. “These kind friends believe that the children we serve deserve a building that reflects the healing, safety and hope that is provided through the services we offer.”

The CAC serves child victims of physical and sexual abuse and strives to protect and restore the lives of abused children through team investigations, healing services, community outreach and strategic partnerships.

The private event was for Capital Campaign donors and other guests. Smith County Judge Neal Franklin presented a resolution naming Aug. 23 “Children’s Advocacy Center Day” in Smith County. The CAC’s 2023 Women of Courage provided building tours for guests following the ceremony.

In November 2021, the CAC purchased and began renovating the former TCA Cable Suddenlink building at 3015 South SE Loop 323 in Tyler. The 39,000-square-foot space is almost five times the CAC’s former space.

The child-friendly facility features public meeting space, separate waiting rooms for various client services, four forensic interview rooms, observation rooms and family rooms, law enforcement partners’ offices and an expanded medical suite.

The therapy wing includes spaces for play, art and music therapy. The purchase and renovation were made possible by over 65 individuals, families, foundations, corporations, government entities and fundraising groups joining together to benefit the children of Smith County.

On May 10, the new building began serving children and their families, with ample room to grow into the future. The organization is expanding nearly every facet of its work, like its support groups and community education opportunities.

Brad Bays, CAC Smith County Board of Directors immediate past president, said Smith has been instrumental in the organization’s growth.

Smith grew the organization’s budget by almost 500% from a half a million dollars to $3 million, increased the staff from 10 to more than 30, created programs and served nearly 1,200 children in 2023 compared to previously serving about 300 annually.

“One of the most gratifying things about this whole process has been the support from the community,” Smith said. “It’s hard to do the work that we do. So going out and seeing all the support that we have and being able to bring that back to the staff, it’s just encouraging.”