I come from a family of advocates. My mom for mental illness, my dad for substance abuse, my aunt for juvenile justice. This has taught me that there are always people that I can help. I have spent my life searching the population I see myself serving best. New Orleans Child Advocacy Center has helped me find that niche.
I learned about NOCAC and the work they do while at a conference for my summer job last year. I worked at the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court and at a conference on human trafficking, NOCAC presented. They divulged on the work they do to help previous survivors of trafficking and other forms of sexual abuse. They highlighted the importance of their work they do, especially in the current social climate. Their work seemed invaluable and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
At Tulane, I am a member of SAPHE – Sexual Aggression Peer Health Educator and Hotline. In SAPHE, we provide resources to survivors of sexual aggression. I see myself as an advocate for survivors of any sexual aggression, especially abuse. NOCAC prides itself on being a resource for those survivors. Currently in the media, there is a newfound focus on finding justice for survivors of sexual aggression. NOCAC gives a voice to the survivors who may not make it on the front page of the news; who’s stories may go unheard. The children they serve need a listening ear, an advocate, and a safe place free of judgement or harm. NOCAC provides that for them.
New Orleans Child Advocacy Center presents itself as a home for previously abused children to be safe and heard. They provide a place for them to speak freely of their experiences and receive the care they need. NOCAC’s logo depicts a child in a hot air balloon. This is to show a child soaring, and in the walls of NOCAC the children are soaring to safety.
I am so excited to begin my internship with them and begin an experience I am sure I will be forever grateful for. At this internship, I hope to increase personal and professional growth related to the issues of child sexual abuse, develop a working knowledge of non-profit organizations devoted to the mission of healing abused children and their families, to improve my empathetic listening skills, to apply my knowledge of psychology and public health to the rehabilitation of abused children, and to determine whether this field of work is a possible career for me.
My name is Kennedy Williams and I am a rising junior at Tulane. I am pursuing dual degrees in Public Health and Psychology. I hope to continue my education and earn a JD and a Masters of Public Policy to continue to be an advocate for survivors of sexual aggression in any way I can.