At Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center
we’re building a better, healthier future by ending child abuse one child at a time.
Create a better future by healing hearts today.
Our mission
We seek to heal and prevent the trauma of childhood abuse and neglect by providing advocacy, child-friendly therapies, and a safe environment for kids to feel seen, heard, and understood. We restore lost innocence, provide hope, and make a difference in all the lives we touch.
Our vision
Our values
Our team
All of our caring, dedicated team members pour their hearts into restoring childhood for the children we serve. Each one of these groups play a critical role in helping ECCAC run effectively so we can heal today’s children and support them in becoming tomorrow’s leaders.
Julie Porterfield, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
Solange Arnett, M.S.
Chief of Operations
Christen Cowgill
Director of Development & Marketing
Kerri Fowler
Lead Mental Health Advocate
Debi Riley-Broadnax, MSW
CARES Program Manager
Jamie Rickert, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
Sara Sharp
Office Manager
Over the years.
Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center was built through grassroots support from the communities we serve. The motivation for establishing a children's advocacy center that uses a multidisciplinary team response to child abuse in Okaloosa & Walton counties grew out of a high-profile case in the early 1990s.
Early 1990s
High-profile abuse case that occurred in a local childcare facility where the daycare owner victimized several little girls.
1992
Individuals from agencies involved in that case, led by the Department of Children & Families and the State Attorney's Office were convinced that there had to be a better response to abuse cases. Together, they formed a Child Abuse Task Force.
1997
The group recommended a children’s advocacy center be built, so ECCAC was formed. Individuals and corporations in the community responded by giving both their time and financial support.
1998
A Capital Campaign Kickoff was held in May, and there was a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the facility centrally located in Niceville, Florida, in April.
1999
Partner agencies signed a Memorandum of Agreement in December.
2000
In October, ECCAC opened its doors to a 13,000 SF child-friendly facility and implemented its advocacy program with little debt, thanks to the amazing community.
2001
The Center became a National Children's Alliance member in January, and NCA accreditation followed soon after.
2003
ECCAC implemented its mental health programs.
2007
ECCAC received its re-accreditation from NCA in June.
2012
Grassroots efforts began to establish the second Center in Defuniak Springs, Florida.
2014
ECCAC received its re-accreditation from NCA.
2016
Pierce Family Center opened its doors to provide services for children in Walton County.
2017
ECCAC implemented its prevention program–raising awareness and educating the communities on critical issues and techniques to prevent and/or report abuse and neglect.
2019
ECCAC receives re-accreditation from NCA.
2023
ECCAC CARES program is launched—a community-based initiative to reach a wider demographic of children who are subject to neglect and lack of resources.
Re-opened office in Fort Walton after fire/flood.
Fort Walton office re-named the Julie Sacco Porterfield Children's Advocacy Center.
Our Impact
kids assisted in 2023
mental health counseling hours
of donations go directly back into our programs
students received prevention education