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Thirty Stories from Thirty Years: Story Number 15, Holiday Edition

By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

The Holidays Hit Different

This is story #15 in Tammi Pitzen’s series of 30 stories from her 30 years working in child welfare.

You can read all the stories here.

This series is a reflection over a 30 plus year career in child abuse interventions. Some are stories that help to understand real life impacts of
that career and vicarious trauma. Some stories are just that. Stories of pivotal moments in that career that propelled me to continue the
work even when it seemed impossible.

The Holidays Hit Different

The year-end holiday season has always hit differently for me since I began my career in child protection in December 1990. Before that, I experienced the holidays like most people: a time filled with lights, laughter, and family traditions. My mom loved the holidays and always made them seem magical and special for us kids. But after entering this field, the season took on a different weight, one that I still feel decades later.

It seems there’s always a heartbreaking case right before, or even on, the holidays. The severity of these cases, combined with the timing, tends to capture the attention of everyone involved: the investigators, caseworkers, law enforcement, medical staff, and others who bear witness to the painful details. But that’s not the only reason the holidays affect me differently now.

Trauma Doesn’t Follow a Calendar

Abuse doesn’t take a break for the holidays, or any other time of the year. There are children who were abused in June who still carry the same pain and confusion in December. The trauma doesn’t disappear just because the world is wrapped in twinkling lights and festive cheer. For those children, the season can stir up powerful reminders of what they’ve endured and of what’s missing.

It also hits differently because of the dedicated professionals who spend their days confronting those realities. Each of us tries to step away from the work long enough to be fully present with our families; to enjoy the holidays without being haunted by what we’ve seen. But it’s never that easy.

You Don’t Leave This Work Unchanged

I am not the same person I was before I began this work.

You can’t stay the same after a young child tells you they’re afraid Santa won’t find them because they had to move to a new home for safety. You can’t stay the same when a child asks if you’ll come to their school holiday concert because no one else can.

And you can’t stay the same after watching a mother hand over her child’s belongings on Christmas Eve, tears streaming down her face, while also handing you a holiday card addressed to “Ms. Tammi and Family.” That particular mother will always stay with me. Removing children from their homes never feels good but doing it during the holidays feels especially heavy.

From those early years, I still keep a few small mementos that remind me why this work matters. A snow globe from a girl on my caseload who saved her allowance to buy me something special. A small brass nativity ornament from a child whose brother was killed by their mother. Each year, that ornament still finds a place on my Christmas tree.

I remember receiving one of those gifts and asking a coworker, “What am I supposed to do with this?” She smiled gently and said, “Accept it.”

Today, of course, accepting gifts from children or families we serve would be considered a boundary violation. But back then, in our small rural community, those tokens meant something profound. For many children, we were the only ones who showed up for them. Those modest gifts picked from the shelves of a dollar store were their way of saying thank you.

Every year, our community comes together to provide gifts for children who have experienced abuse, some living in foster care, others with parents struggling to rebuild after trauma shattered their family. The generosity we see from local businesses, churches, and individuals is overwhelming. But what moves me most is that these children are not forgotten. While they feel invisible; erased by their abuse, the outpouring from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County supporters reminds them they are in fact seen.

Amidst all of the heartbreak, this outpouring of kindness reminds me of something I’ve learned again and again throughout my career: there is so much good in the world.

And that gives me hope.

A sincere thank you to Blue Marble, Rogue Disposal Community Bike Build, Grange Co-op, KDRV, Baker-Tilly, John L. Scott, Medford Earth Angels, Southern Oregon Toy Run, Karen Scott, DeAnna Eastman, Linda Hutsell and Alexis Acosta. Your generosity helped make the holidays merry and bright for the youth we serve.

Thirty Stories from Thirty Years: Story Number 14

By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

Baseball and the Power of One Caring Adult

This is story #14 in Tammi Pitzen’s series of 30 stories from her 30 years working in child welfare.

You can read all the stories here.

This series is a reflection over a 30 plus year career in child abuse interventions. Some are stories that help to understand real life impacts of
that career and vicarious trauma. Some stories are just that. Stories of pivotal moments in that career that propelled me to continue the
work even when it seemed impossible.

Baseball and the Power of One Caring Adult

I wish I had a dime for every time someone asked why I chose to work with children who have experienced the trauma of abuse, or a nickel for every time someone asked how I’ve lasted more than thirty years in this field. I could do a lot of good with that kind of money!

There are a million ways I could answer, and they’d all be true. But today, in the midst of the MLB playoffs, my answer is simple: baseball.

I love baseball. I never played much because I couldn’t consistently hit the ball, I wasn’t a fast runner, and, if I’m completely honest, I was afraid to catch it when it came flying toward me at the speed of lightning. But I still love the game.

Why? Because for much of my childhood, on Friday or Saturday nights (and sometimes both), I’d load up a folding lawn chair in the back of my dad’s old Ford pickup and head to the little league fields. Most of my friends were out there playing, but I was perfectly happy sitting beside my dad, feet propped up on the fence, cracking sunflower seeds, and watching the games.

I love baseball because my dad loves baseball. Because those nights at the ballpark were ours. He’d teach me the rules and explain the calls. As I got older, I went to fewer games, but my dad never stopped. He kept showing up to cheer on those kids I’d grown up with. He knew their stats, their strengths, and their stories.

Even now, baseball is woven into who I am. My family goes to a Mariners game every year. My dad plans his life around their schedule. Most game nights, you’ll find him on the couch, eyes fixed on the TV. During this year’s playoffs, I’ve kept my phone close so I can text him when Cal Raleigh or Julio Rodríguez hits a home run, or when the Mariners are down by ten.

For some people, baseball is just a game. For me, it’s family, connection, and love. It’s hours of quiet companionship, sitting side by side with my dad, no phone in my hand, just fully present.

Baseball taught me trust, consistency, and the comfort of knowing someone would always be there.

I didn’t set out to work in child protection. A series of small, seemingly insignificant choices led me here. But what’s kept me here, what’s anchored me through the hardest days, is baseball. At least today it is, tomorrow I may have a different answer.

You might wonder how the two connect. It took me years to understand it myself.

When I was in college, I realized what a gift it was to have a dad who showed up. A dad who didn’t disappear when things got hard. A dad I could depend on, not only to sit in silence beside me at a ball game, but to drive two hours to pick me up when my car broke down on a lonely highway.

That’s what I want for every child I work with: the steady presence of a caring adult. When that can’t be a parent, we try to help children connect with someone who can fill that role – a foster parent, a teacher, a coach, a mentor. That is why I chose to stay steady in the field of child protection.

Research now proves what I felt instinctively all those years ago: one caring adult can change the world for a struggling child.

Every child “in the system” is just one caring adult away from hope and healing.

Think about that. Think about the children in your life, your neighbors, your grandchildren, your child’s classmates, your best friend’s kids. Each of us has the power to be that caring adult who helps a child find resilience, acceptance, and happiness, even when those things seem out of reach.

Thirty Stories from Thirty Years: Story Number 13

By Tammi Pitzen, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County

Living a Life of Gratitude

This is story #13 in Tammi Pitzen’s series of 30 stories from her 30 years working in child welfare.

You can read all the stories here.

This series is a reflection over a 30 plus year career in child abuse interventions. Some are stories that help to understand real life impacts of
that career and vicarious trauma. Some stories are just that. Stories of pivotal moments in that career that propelled me to continue the
work even when it seemed impossible.

Living a Life of Gratitude

This is one of those stories that is personal and is one that has developed over the last three years of my career. There are seasons when your personal life takes over your professional career and sometimes it is the opposite. This particularly is a pattern in the world of nonprofit leadership. Sometimes you recognize it and sometimes you don’t until well after the fact. The same could be said for the moments in your life that become significant and have a profound impact on how you do your work, how you live your life and how you interact with people.

Some of those events that I recognized the impact they would have over the span of my life time are the meeting of my now spouse, the birth of our son, the first child fatality I worked as a child protection investigator, being looked over for a promotion I really wanted, spreading my wings and moving across the country, a family member brutally murdered, a close friend mercilessly beaten and raped, becoming the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County and three years ago my mother’s diagnosis of cancer, and then her death.

Some of these events I didn’t recognize the long term influence. My Mom’s volunteer work making life better for women and children. My Dad’s life of service. Being paired with the greatest child protection investigator in the state of Louisiana as my first mentor. Coming face to face with an angry dad with a shot gun in his hand on my very first solo investigation. Making the seemingly unimportant decision to go out with a friend to celebrate the finality of her divorce all those years ago and meeting a young handsome soldier.

Each of those events changed me in vastly different ways, they all had surprisingly affected me in some ways that were the same.

They built resiliency. They gave me a different perspective on life. And they made me thankful. Yep. The last one has completely changed my entire outlook on life. I have started to live my life in gratitude. Or maybe continued living that way with more intention. Gratitude.

Living in gratitude as the Executive Director of a Children’s Advocacy Center is a profound experience that shapes both the personal and professional aspects of one’s life. In this role, each day serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage shown by children and families who endure and rise above trauma. This is not a journey of mere management or leadership; it is one deeply rooted in empathy, dedication, and a commitment to provide hope and healing. Living in gratitude transforms challenges into opportunities to make a meaningful impact, not just for the children we serve but also the broader community and the future.

The most profound gratitude I feel is for the families and children who trust us with their stories.

It’s an honor and a responsibility to stand beside them, often during their most vulnerable moments, and help them begin the journey toward healing. Each story is a testament to resilience, and each interaction reaffirms the importance of the work we do. Seeing these children emerge from trauma, empowered and supported, reminds me daily of the significance of compassion and patience. They inspire everyone on our team, providing a renewed purpose and reinforcing the center’s commitment to more than just making a difference but pathing the way to a stronger, healthier, safer community for our children to grow up in.

I am deeply grateful for the team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly alongside me.

Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, united by a shared vision to support and protect children. Our staff, multidisciplinary team, Board, volunteers—the entire Children’s Advocacy Center Team bring unwavering dedication, often going above and beyond to create a safe space where children feel seen, heard, and valued. It is this unity and shared commitment that fuel our efforts and amplify the positive change we bring to children’s lives. I am grateful for their compassion, resilience, and the sacrifices they make daily, knowing that their work has a ripple effect on the community as a whole.

Gratitude also extends to the broader community—our supporters, partners, and donors who believe in our mission and provide the resources necessary to make it possible.

Their generosity and support are essential to our work, allowing us to offer specialized services, therapeutic programs, and resources that would otherwise be out of reach. Fundraising events, grants, and community partnerships all serve as pillars that sustain our programs, and each contribution is a testament to the trust our community places in us. Living in gratitude means acknowledging the privilege of being able to mobilize these resources toward creating positive, lasting change for children who need it most.

By fostering an attitude of gratitude, I find strength in times of challenge and uncertainty.

The work can be emotionally demanding, and yet it’s this focus on gratitude that keeps the heart open to the possibility of hope and healing. Recognizing the profound impact our work has on children’s lives, as well as the transformative effect it has on the individuals who serve in this field, brings an immense sense of fulfillment. It reminds me daily that this work is more than a job; it is a calling.

In December, I will embark on my 35th year in my career working in the field of child abuse/child protection.

When I say this work is more than a job but a calling—at least for me it has been—I mean that for some of us this work has chosen us. At each juncture when I felt like I could move on I was pulled back into this work. There are others like me. Others who each time they can close the door, they have walked through to a new opportunity in the field. I have had the privilege to be a forensic interviewer, a child protection investigator, a foster care manager, advocate, program manager, in home service provider, and Executive Director.

November 12th is my 11th anniversary as the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County. It has been an incredible honor to have been selected in this role. I am looking forward to the future and I see great things in the future of this great organization. I am excited to be the leader of this organization. It is my privilege to witness the work of law enforcement detectives, of case workers, of prosecutors, of the CAC staff, of everyone on the Jackson County Multidisciplinary Team. It is some of the greatest acts of empathy, of courage, of compassion, of justice, of integrity I have ever seen.

In the end, being the Executive Director of a Children’s Advocacy Center is about leading with empathy, resilience, and gratitude. It’s about being grateful for every opportunity to make a positive difference, no matter how small.

Living in gratitude transforms not only the way we approach challenges but also the way we celebrate victories, big and small.

This role has taught me that, while we may not be able to change the past for the children who come to us, we can help them find hope for the future. And for that, I am forever grateful.

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The Advocate Newsletter: September 2024

As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp embrace of fall, we hope this season brings a sense of renewal and reflection to you and your loved ones. While the seasons may change, our mission at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County remains steadfast—ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and heard. This month, we are excited to share updates, stories of impact, and upcoming events that highlight the progress we continue to make together in providing healing and hope. Thank you for standing with us in this vital work.

Welcome Back! – In This Issue

We hope that you’re enjoying a wonderful summer, staying cool amid the rising temperatures. As the sun shines brightly, we’re reminded that while seasons change, our mission remains steadfast. Even though it is summer, our work doesn’t stop. We have been hard at work providing essential services to children and families in our community.

In this edition of our newsletter, we are excited to share several important updates and highlights:

Update from the Executive Director: Hear directly from our Executive Director about the latest developments and future plans for the Children’s Advocacy Center.
CAC Board of Directors Spotlight: Get to know the dedicated individuals who steer our organization towards success.
PSANE Program Expansion to Three Rivers Medical Center: Learn about the expansion of our Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (PSANE) program to Three Rivers Medical Center, increasing our reach and impact.
Impact Data Update: Review our comprehensive data on the services provided and the impact made during the fiscal year from July 2023 to June 2024.
Upcoming Trainings: Discover the training opportunities available, including our upcoming Darkness to Light session.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of children and families in Jackson County. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Executive Director

“Be the change you want to see!”

Tammi Pitzen

Continuing The Vision:

Dear Community Members,

As the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County, I am able to witness a lot of really amazing and generous acts. It is these acts of generosity that help remind me of the infinite good that exists in this world when it is really easy to see the overwhelming darkness.

When we think about child abuse, it is easy to get lost in the overwhelming darkness but there are so many remarkable stories of regular people trying to shine light to chase away the shadows. In June, it was my honor to accept a Community 101 grant from St Marys High School. This grant will help to provide evidence-based trauma assessment to children and youth who have experienced abuse in our community. It was amazing to sit in a room with these students who took careful consideration of the applications they received and to watch as they award them to organizations that are helping those most vulnerable citizens in our community. I am quite sure my heart grew while sitting in that room watching their excitement as they awarded their grants. Our youth are working hard to create a better tomorrow for our community. Thank you, St. Mary’s. We are proud to partner with you to help bring healing and recovery to the youth in our community who experience child abuse.

Another bright shining light was created by Medford Food CoOp. Thank you for your fundraising on our behalf during May! We were so grateful to have had the opportunity to set up an information table and to have the opportunity to share with your customers about the services provided by the CAC to youth in our community. We are appreciative of the generous investment you and your customers made to provide healing interventions to children hurting in our community.

Child abuse is a community problem that demands a community response! Thank you St. Marys and Medford Food CoOp for being part of the response in Jackson County!

As we move into the new fiscal year at the end of June, we have many exciting things to look forward to at the CAC of Jackson County. We will be undergoing a process to create a new strategic plan for the next five to ten years. This planning process will help to identify our next area of growth and program expansion. We are excited to enhance the services that we provide to youth who have experienced the trauma of abuse and their non-offending caregivers.

Part of our expansion will be planning for the expansion of our campus. In May of 2022, we purchased a building adjacent to our campus. In May of 2023, we demolished that building. Now, there is a clean slate waiting for a beautiful new expansion to better serve our community. Stay tuned! There will be more to come on this expansion in the coming months!

Do you feel passionate about helping children to heal after experiencing abuse? Do you want to join the team at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County? We have an opening for a therapist who would be working with youth who have experienced abuse. If you are interested, please contact Rebekah Smith at 541-734-5437. If you are interested in volunteering at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County, please contact Azalea Lusch, our Outreach and Communications Manager at 541-734-5437 or alusch@cacjc.org

In gratitude,

Tammi Pitzen,

CACJC Executive Director

Focus on ACEs

What Are ACEs?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). These experiences include various forms of abuse, neglect, and household challenges that can have a profound impact on a child’s development and overall well-being. Examples of ACEs include:

Physical, Emotional, or Sexual Abuse: Any form of harm inflicted on a child that causes physical pain, emotional distress, or sexual exploitation.
Emotional or Physical Neglect: The failure to provide a child with basic emotional or physical needs, such as love, support, food, or shelter.
Household Dysfunction: Environments where there are issues such as substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, or incarceration of a family member.

These experiences can lead to what is known as “toxic stress,” which disrupts a child’s developing brain and can have lasting effects on their physical and mental health. If ACEs are not addressed, they can increase the likelihood of chronic health conditions later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. By understanding ACEs, we can better comprehend the challenges faced by children who have been exposed to these adversities.

Why It Matters

Addressing ACEs is crucial because early intervention and support can transform the lives of affected children. The consequences of untreated ACEs can be severe, leading to lifelong difficulties, including poor health, social challenges, and reduced economic opportunities. Here’s why tackling ACEs is vital:

Prevention of Long-Term Health Issues: By intervening early, we can reduce the risk of chronic diseases that are linked to toxic stress caused by ACEs.
Breaking the Cycle of Abuse and Neglect: Addressing ACEs not only helps the current generation but also prevents the perpetuation of these harmful experiences in future generations.
Improving Community Health: Healthier children lead to healthier communities. By mitigating the effects of ACEs, we contribute to a more resilient and thriving community.

Sponsorship Invitation

Donation Policy

Accepting Only New or Gently Used Items for Donations

At the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County (CACJC), our primary focus is to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of the children and families we serve. To uphold these values and maintain the highest standards of care, we have updated our donation policy to accept only new or gently used items. This policy applies to all clothing, toys, and other donated goods.

Why We Only Accept New or Gently Used Items

Health and Safety Concerns: Used items, particularly clothing and toys, can harbor allergens, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants that can pose health risks to children. By accepting only new clothing items and gently used toys or other donated goods, we ensure that all donations are safe and hygienic.

Ensuring Quality and Suitability: New items guarantee a certain level of quality and are free from wear and tear. Gently used items must be in excellent condition to ensure the children we serve receive items that provide them with a sense of dignity and respect.
Storage and Sorting Challenges: Processing donations requires sorting, cleaning, and quality checks. By focusing on new and gently used items, our team can allocate more time and resources directly to our programs and services, rather than on managing donations.
Compliance with Safety Standards: Many used toys and clothing items may not meet current safety standards and regulations. By accepting new and carefully inspected gently used items, we can be confident that all donations comply with the latest safety guidelines, protecting the children we support.
Emotional and Psychological Impact: Receiving new or high-quality gently used items can have a positive emotional and psychological impact on children, reinforcing their sense of self-worth and showing them that they are valued and cared for.

How You Can Help

Donate New or Gently Used Items: We gratefully accept new clothing, toys, books, and other items, as well as gently used items that are in excellent condition. Please ensure that all donations are clean and, if possible, in their original packaging.

Financial Contributions: Monetary donations allow us to purchase new items and directly support our programs. Donations can be made through our website or by contacting our office.

Organize Donation Drives: Consider organizing a donation drive for new or gently used items within your community, workplace, or social group to support the children and families served by CACJC.

We appreciate the generosity and support of our community and believe that this updated policy will help us continue to provide the best possible care to those in need. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

For more information or if you have any questions about our donation policy, please contact Azalea Lusch at alusch@cacjc.org.

Summer Soirée 2024

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Need More Info?

For more event details please contact T Hayes @ (541) 494 – 1768 or send us a message here.

The Advocate Newsletter: July 2024

Welcome Back! – In This Issue

We hope that you’re enjoying a wonderful summer, staying cool amid the rising temperatures. As the sun shines brightly, we’re reminded that while seasons change, our mission remains steadfast. Even though it is summer, our work doesn’t stop. We have been hard at work providing essential services to children and families in our community.

In this edition of our newsletter, we are excited to share several important updates and highlights:

Update from the Executive Director: Hear directly from our Executive Director about the latest developments and future plans for the Children’s Advocacy Center.
CAC Board of Directors Spotlight: Get to know the dedicated individuals who steer our organization towards success.
PSANE Program Expansion to Three Rivers Medical Center: Learn about the expansion of our Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (PSANE) program to Three Rivers Medical Center, increasing our reach and impact.
Impact Data Update: Review our comprehensive data on the services provided and the impact made during the fiscal year from July 2023 to June 2024.
Upcoming Trainings: Discover the training opportunities available, including our upcoming Darkness to Light session.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of children and families in Jackson County. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and stay tuned for more exciting updates!