For over three decades, the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville has stood as a quiet but powerful shield for the community’s most vulnerable citizens. Since its founding as a non-profit in 1993, the center has provided a sanctuary for children who have navigated the darkest of circumstances.
As April approaches, the CAC is preparing for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Through a series of "Pinwheel" community events, the organization aims to turn Cumberland County blue in a show of solidarity and awareness.
A Sanctuary for Healing
The core mission of the CAC is rooted in a singular, compassionate goal: ensuring a child only has to tell their traumatic story once. Their primary work is to conduct forensic interviews with children who have been victims of abuse, human trafficking, or who have been witnesses of violent crime. By working with a multi-disciplinary team, the CAC streamlines the investigative process in an attempt to minimize further trauma; these partners include multiple local law enforcement agencies, school partners, local rape crisis centers, and a variety of healthcare organizations.
“We strive to be a safe place where kids can come for hope and healing,” says John Webster, the Center’s Executive Director. In the last fiscal year alone, the center conducted 531 forensic interviews for children, most of whom are referred to the Center by law enforcement or the Department of Social Services.
Beyond the initial interview, the healing process is supported by victim family advocates and trauma-focused therapists. Last year, 103 children received specialized therapy to help process their experiences in both group and one-on-one therapy sessions. Despite the intensive nature of these services, they are provided entirely free of charge to clients, supported by a diverse range of funding resources and an active 24-member Board of Directors.
One other important aspect of the CAC’s work is working to eliminate the need for their services. Under the guidance of Volunteer Coordinator Faith Boehmer, the center provides training aimed at the prevention of child abuse. This is accomplished in a variety of ways. They work with young children, teaching them about body safety and autonomy and how to seek help if someone is hurting them. The Center recently hosted the Family Prevention Fair, a family-centered event aimed at providing connection, resources and hope.
They also provide access to a training program called Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children©, a training program which seeks to help adults “prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse,” according to cacfaync.org.
The Symbol of Childhood: The Pinwheel
In April, Fayetteville will be blooming with silver and blue. The pinwheel serves as the national symbol for child abuse prevention, representing the whimsy and freedom that every childhood deserves.
The month kicks off with a Pinwheel Ceremony at the CAC campus on April 1. Guest speaker Kirk deViere, Chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, will join staff and volunteers to plant 500 pinwheels at the center’s headquarters at 222 Rowan Street. Pinwheels will also be placed in the Hurley Pots, the large black planters that line the streets of downtown Fayetteville. Many other businesses and organizations throughout our community will show their support for the prevention of child abuse by putting out pinwheels as well.
Pinwheel gear can be purchased on CAC’s website. Supporters can purchase kits that include pinwheels and a yard sign, and other items that show their support for Child Abuse Prevention, such as stickers and jewelry. All proceeds from the sale of this merchandise go directly to support the mission of the center.
April 10 is celebrated as “Wear Blue Day.” Everyone is encouraged to wear the royal blue that is the widely recognized color of child abuse prevention.
New for 2026, the local CAC is partnering with Child Advocacy Centers of NC for the “Light It Up Blue” initiative. Residents will see iconic local landmarks, including the Market House, the Eiffel Tower at Bordeaux on Owen Drive, City Hall, and the CAC headquarters, bathed in blue light to signal the community’s commitment to protection and prevention.
Be Their Voice
The Child Advocacy Center will host “Be Their Voice, Help them Soar: Child Abuse Summit” on April 16. Hosted at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, this free, one-day event features guest speakers, break-out sessions, and a celebration of Champions of Children. While the event is free, registration is required and available through the CAC website.
Looking Forward
Coming soon is the Center’s 10th Annual Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown. This high-energy fundraiser features groups of all kinds and sizes, performing lip-synced musical numbers. The Center is currently seeking performance groups and sponsors for the May 2 event. Anyone interested in getting in on the fun should visit https://www.cacfaync.org/how-to-help/fayettevilles-ultimate-lip-sync-showdown.html
Whether through a monthly donation on their website or by displaying pinwheels at their home or business, the CAC invites every citizen to play a part in safeguarding the future. As the pinwheels spin in the North Carolina breeze this April, they serve as a reminder that every child deserves a life free from fear.