Interview - Mission Statement
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NOTE: If you would like to run this piece in your publication, you don't need our permission. It's free. We only ask that you include our URL. If you do decide to use the piece, let us know. Thanks in advance!
My name is Dom Coccaro. I’m a freelance writer, which means I pick and choose which gigs to pursue. I specialize in poring over geek-centric media. To be specific, I review movies, comic books and even wrestling shows. That’s why I was bemused by my father’s request to interview him about a non-profit organization that abets child victims of sexual abuse under the auspices of mindful mediation and exhaustive investigation. When I researched the facility in question, I understood why their mission statement was an important one to publicize.
I’m speaking of Dove House, a Children’s Advocacy Center based in Statesville, North Carolina. Dove House opened its doors in 2002 with the intention of lessening the strain imposed on these kids and their non-offending family members. It also seeks to expedite the process of prosecuting the censurable party convicted of a most appalling crime. As my father (a.k.a. Nick) explains, this outstanding establishment dispenses with the inefficient and often damaging red tape associated with the formal inquest that typically follows an instance of sexual abuse.
Dom Coccaro: What is Dove House?
Nick Coccaro: Dove House is non-profit organization that was sired in the early aughts. They help children who were sexually abused. In the past, a victim of such a crime would have to be taken to a hospital to be evaluated, a police station to file a report, a District attorney’s office, possibly child protective services…in other words, they would be transported to several adult places where they would have to relive a traumatic experience over and over again. From there, the child would be sent home in most cases.
DC: And in the majority of these cases, the perpetrator is someone the family knows right?
NC: Right. Sending the child home with family can lead to repeat offenses if the case isn’t thoroughly investigated.
DC: What does the Dove House do to minimize the trauma that victims and their families go through?
NC: They formed what’s called a Multidisciplinary Team that conducts all of the necessary intervention activities under one roof in a safe, child-friendly environment. Dove House has a close working relationship with six law enforcement agencies in Iredell and Alexander County, including mental health personnel. They also conduct forensic interviews that can be used in court.
DC: Have these methods proven to be successful?
NC: Absolutely. Since 2003, their District Attorney’s office has upheld an 86% prosecution rate. Before Dove House came into the picture, the prosecution rate was less than 20%.
DC: Now, we’ve known each other for awhile.
NC: We go way back.
DC: Yeah. You’ve worked with charities before, but you’ve never been involved with this particular cause. How did you hear about Dove House? And why did you feel compelled to help?
NC: Two reasons. A friend of mine told me about Dove House and asked me to help raise awareness for an upcoming fundraising event. But also, I think it’s important to donate to causes that may not affect you on a personal level. It ensures that every worthwhile cause gets a share of the limelight.
DC: Tell me about this upcoming event. I believe it’s taking place in late September?
NC: September 29, to be exact. We’ll have a lot of stuff going on. It’s a car and motorcycle show. We’ll have food, drinks, vendors, a poker walk, drawings, door prizes, raffle tickets, awards for Longest Distance Traveled and Best Motorcycle among several others, a live auction and we hope to have live music. We’re accepting donations for the live auction, and certain sponsors have stepped up to contribute items of interest. We’re currently looking for more sponsors, whether it’s from local restaurants or major franchises.
DC: What do you need to make this show as successful as it possibly can be, which in consequence, would draw attention to Dove House?
NC: Obviously, funding is key. We have a goal of $15,000. I’d like to exceed that. Apart from funding, there are three things we need…advertising, volunteers and pre-registration. Pre-registration is crucial because it will give us an idea of how many people are committed to attending this event. We’ll know what to plan for. This event will go on rain or shine, so if inclement weather lowers attendance, we’ll at least have the donations from those who pre-registered.
DC: What kind of volunteers do you need?
NC: Anyone willing to help. We also need trained supervisors who can oversee the whole shebang.
