59 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen When the Junior League of Charleston founded the Dee Norton Children’s Advocacy Center in 1991, Beverly Hutchison, then a stay-at-home mom and member of the league, began her journey as a volunteer. Working in the lobby, greeting families at the door and hanging out with the children were her primary duties. The thing that attracted her to the non-profit organization — which is based upon a multi-disciplinary model that operates from a community response to child abuse — was how the center works hand-in-hand with social services, all law enforcement jurisdictions, mental health specialists and the solicitor’s office. Additionally, Dee Norton partners closely with schools, providing trauma-informed education and support for teachers and guidance counselors on how to recognize alleged abuse by observing behavioral patterns of children while in the classroom. Further, Hutchison added, “The goal of a CAC is to partner with and utilize resources in the community.” This means some services may be provided on site or referred out as needed. For example, Dee Norton partners with MUSC Child Abuse Pediatric Divisions at both the Downtown and East Cooper locations and community providers of evidence-based therapy programs which offer additional mental health services. “Every child deserves the resources Dee Norton offers, no matter where they come from, so Dee Norton does not charge for any of its services,” Hutchison said, explaining that by facilitating and coordinating cases with this holistic approach, Dee Norton helps children as well as families. “Under our roof, the process starts by providing a family a forensic interview — a best-practices technique that is recorded while investigators also watch from a remote location on site. Then a medical assessment may be given on the same day. These services establish a record of what has happened to the child. Next steps for a child and family may include a multidisciplinary staffing where decisions about the need for further services like a mental health assessment are made.” After spending several years serving in her role as a volunteer, Hutchison was invited to join the board. As the organization continued to grow, Hutchison eventually joined the staff as the development coordinator, recruiting volunteers and engaging donors through the newsletter and fundraising events. She was subsequently promoted to director of development and communications. In 2018, Dee Norton expanded by opening a new facility in Mount Pleasant, and in 2019, the center renovated the flagship location on Upper King Street. Hutchison then moved into the role of executive director in 2021. Having seen a range of 800-1,400 adolescents come through the program each year, Hutchison acknowledged that Dee Norton continues to evolve with the times, based on what’s happening in the community, such as human sex trafficking and problematic child sexual behavior, for which there are no local services outside of the center. In February 2025, Dee Norton will celebrate its 25th anniversary at an annual gala held in the Cedar Room. To donate, contribute to the auction, or learn about volunteering, contact Rachel Tyson at RTyson@ DeeNortonCenter.org. Learn more by visiting DeeNortonCenter.org. Dee Norton Local women advocate for children BY SARAH ROSE Charleston Women in Philanthropy Beverly Hutchinson.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1