(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

When members of law enforcement, prosecutors and Child Protective Services need a safe place for forensic interviews and medical exams to aid in child abuse investigations in Wood, Wirt, Pleasants, Ritchie and Calhoun counties, they turn to the North Star Child Advocacy Center.

And, yes, those at the center can become advocates for children involved in those cases, too.

Last week, North Star was able to celebrate the expansion of its facility in Parkersburg. With help from the West Virginia First Foundation, the Sisters Health Foundation and the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, North Star was able to purchase the remaining space in their building so it can add new programs and provide separate interview rooms for younger and older children.

“None of our donor money from the public has been used (in the purchase),” said North Star Executive Director Greg Collins. “We wouldn’t be here without all of our funders and donors.”

But why was such an expansion necessary?

It’s not an easy thing to realize, but the children who need the help of centers such as North Star can range from just a few months old to 18 years. Collins said these children are facing horrific circumstances that can include atrocities like sexual abuse by family members or being prostituted by their own parents.

“These are the worst cases,” Collins said. “And we are the busiest of 21 centers in the state.”

Yes. Here in our local counties there are enough cases to warrant not only the expansion of the North Star facility, but significant continued support from donors.

“We were happy to not have to attach our general funds to this, because the work done here is obviously the most important thing we do,” Collins said. “We need to continue to interview these kids and help (Child Protective Services) and law enforcement.”

As we congratulate North Star on its expansion, we must also urge members of the community not to forget how important its work is for far too many vulnerable children. North Star deserves our congratulations, our gratitude AND our support.