10/6/2026 – For Immediate Release
Richmond, Va. – The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia awarded $40,000 to four Virginia nonprofits selected by the 2026 FACT Champions for their work to prevent family violence, support survivors and strengthen families across the Commonwealth.
Each Champion selected an eligible nonprofit working in family violence prevention and treatment to receive a $10,000 Pay It Forward award. FACT announced the organizations during its 40th anniversary celebration Oct. 1 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond.
“The Pay It Forward awards honor the expertise and commitment of our Champions while directing meaningful support to organizations serving Virginians every day,” said Nicole Poulin, executive director of FACT. “These four grants reflect FACT’s 40-year commitment to preventing family violence and investing in solutions that help children, adults and families build safer futures.”
The 2026 FACT Champions and their selected nonprofit organizations are:
Charlé McCauley | Champion for Children
McCauley selected the Love Forward Foundation, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, adult children, and caregivers impacted by parental incarceration.
Founded in 2015, the Love Forward Foundation provides family-stability resources, community education, practical tools to help families feel seen, supported and connected.
Picture: The Love Forward Foundation Founder, Keisha Nicholson (on the left)
Abeer Omer | Champion for Adult Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivors
Omer selected Bridges to Independence of Arlington.
Bridges to Independence is dedicated to supporting families and individuals facing housing instability or systemic poverty
They provide shelter services, Rapid Rehousing, and supportive services at the Bridges Community Services Center in Green Valley. These supportive services include workforce development, community youth programs, case management, and essentials such as food, clothing, and rental assistance.
Picture: Bridges to Independence CEO, Fraser Murdoch and Abeer Omer
Joani Latimer | Champion for Older Adults
Latimer selected The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
Consumer Voice is the leading national voice covering issues related to long-term care and helping consumers feel empowered to advocate for themselves. They focus on priority issues such as staffing, nutrition, transparency and accountability, and increasing awareness of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs across the U.S.
Marybeth Matthews-Adkins | Champion for Families
Matthews-Adkins selected Speedway Children’s Charities of Bristol.
Speedway Children’s Charities provides grant funding for non-profit organizations throughout southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee to meet the direct needs of children facing challenges ranging from human trafficking, homelessness, or foster care.
Matthews-Adkins specifically designated the Jeff Byrd Fund for her award which was established in honor of the former Bristol Motor Speedway President. This fund provides a $50,000 grant to one organization each year for exceptional projects improving the lives of children.
Betty Wade Coyle | Lifetime Achievement Award
FACT also presented Betty Wade Coyle with a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing her decades of work to prevent child abuse and protect children. Coyle is executive director emeritus of Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads and continues to train, mentor and support professionals and advocates working on behalf of children and families.
Picture: Viola Vaughan-Eden and Nicole Poulin, Executive Director standing behind Betty Wade Coyle.
About the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia
For 40 years, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) has advanced the prevention and treatment of family violence across the Commonwealth. As the only organization in Virginia addressing trauma and violence across the lifespan, FACT supports initiatives focused on child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, and related forms of family trauma. As a public-private partnership that does not receive state or federal tax dollars, FACT has the flexibility to invest in innovative solutions and direct its resources where they are needed most. Through grantmaking, research, convening and statewide leadership, FACT strengthens communities and works to prevent family violence before it begins.
For more information, visit www.fact.virginia.gov
Media Contact
Lori Crouch, APR
(757) 577- 2503
lori.crouch@integrityinsights.com
9/15/2026 – For Immediate Release
Richmond, Va. – The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia has named four leaders as its 2026 FACT Champions for their work to prevent family violence, support survivors and strengthen children, adults and families across the Commonwealth.
The honorees are Charle’ McCauley, Champion for Children; Abeer Omer, Champion for Adult Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivors; Joani Latimer, Champion for Older Adults; and Marybeth Matthews-Adkins, Champion for Families. They will be recognized Oct. 1 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond as part of FACT’s 40th anniversary celebration. The Champions were selected from nominations submitted by professionals and community members across Virginia.
“These four Champions represent the commitment, compassion and persistence needed to prevent violence and help people build safer, healthier lives,” said Nicole Poulin, executive director of FACT. “Their work reaches Virginians at every stage of life and reflects FACT’s 40-year mission to strengthen families and communities across the Commonwealth.”
As part of the recognition, each Champion will select an eligible Virginia nonprofit organization working in family violence prevention to receive a $10,000 award from FACT. The selected organizations will be announced at the Oct. 1 celebration.
The 2026 FACT Champions are:
Charlé McCauley | Champion for Children – McCauley has dedicated more than a decade to protecting children, strengthening families and improving systems that respond to child abuse. She spent nearly nine years as a forensic interviewer, working directly with more than 1,000 children and families. She later served as education and outreach coordinator and associate director of Valley Children’s Advocacy Center.
Now director of communications for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia, McCauley leads statewide communications, public awareness and legislative advocacy to strengthen Virginia’s response to child abuse. She also has facilitated the National Consortium for Prevention and Outreach for nearly six years and has presented at the International Symposium on Child Abuse and conferences across the country. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in communication and advocacy from James Madison University.
Abeer Omer | Champion for Adult Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivors – Omer has more than 15 years of nonprofit experience supporting refugees, asylees, immigrants and survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and other crimes. As an immigrant, she brings personal understanding of the cultural, social and systemic barriers newcomers may face. Omer previously served as a Gender Advisor at United Nations Women and as a consultant for the British Council in Sudan.
As a victim advocate with the Safe Journey Program, Omer helps survivors work toward safety, independence and self-sufficiency. She draws inspiration from seeing clients overcome fear and abuse, rebuild their lives and regain control of their futures.
Joani Latimer | Champion for Older Adults – As Virginia’s state long-term care ombudsman, Latimer works with a statewide team to advocate for people receiving long-term care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and the community. The program helps older adults and people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights, resolve problems and receive quality care while maintaining dignity and quality of life. Latimer has devoted her career to advocating for people who often cannot speak for themselves.
Prior to her work as the long-term care ombudsman, Latimer served as the Director of the Caregivers Resource Center at Senior Center Richmond and in multiple roles at Richmond Memorial Hospital. Latimer was also a co-founder of Friends and Relatives of Nursing Home Residents, a grassroots organization advocating for improved nursing home care and administering a volunteer visitor program. She currently serves on the Health and Human Resources Nursing Home Advisory Panel, the steering committee for Virginia Voice for Nursing Home Residents, and the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders (WINGS). She works collaboratively with residents, families and community partners so every care recipient can access respectful, quality care and look to the future with hope.
Marybeth Matthews-Adkins | Champion for Families – Matthews-Adkins is CEO of Family Crisis Support Services, where she works to protect children and empower families across Southwest Virginia. Her career in human services began after she witnessed the challenges her students faced outside the classroom. She went on to spend 12 years facilitating adoptions with Commonwealth Catholic Charities and later served as a child protective services worker with the Norton City Department of Social Services.
Her commitment to advocacy deepened after her daughter was diagnosed with cancer in 2002, an experience that shaped her understanding of hope and resilience. Matthews-Adkins currently serves as the Chair for the Regional Victims Response Team, the Advisory Board for Sexual and Domestic Violence, and the LENOWISCO Continuum of Care. She has dedicated her career to providing trauma-informed support, safety and healing for vulnerable children and families.
In addition to honoring the four FACT Champions, FACT will present Betty Wade Coyle with its Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of work to prevent child abuse and protect children.
“Betty Wade Coyle has devoted her life to preventing child abuse and building stronger systems to protect children,” said Nicole Poulin, executive director of FACT. “Her influence extends beyond her own service through the professionals she has trained, mentored and encouraged to continue this critical work. This award recognizes both her extraordinary career and the lasting difference she has made for children and families across Virginia.”
Betty Wade Coyle | Lifetime Achievement Award – Coyle is the executive director emeritus of Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads. Coyle continues to serve on numerous boards and committees such as the Virginia Bar Association Commission on the Needs of Children, the FACT Child Abuse and Neglect Committee, and the Advocacy Committee of Families Forward, Virginia’s Prevent Child Abuse affiliate.
She is a past chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect and was a member of the Virginia Family and Children’s Trust (FACT) Board. Coyle has been instrumental to the Hampton Roads area by being a founding member of the Hampton Roads Child Fatality Review Team and the Hampton Roads Trauma Informed Community Network. Coyle continues to train, mentor and support others advocating for children and is an occasional spokesperson on local media and guest columnist for The Virginian-Pilot.
About the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia
For 40 years, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) has advanced the prevention and treatment of family violence across the Commonwealth. As the only organization in Virginia addressing trauma and violence across the lifespan, FACT supports
initiatives focused on child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, and related forms of family trauma.
As a public-private partnership that does not receive state or federal tax dollars, FACT has the flexibility to invest in innovative solutions and direct its resources where they are needed most. Through grantmaking, research, convening and statewide leadership, FACT strengthens communities and works to prevent family violence before it begins.
For more information, visit www.fact.virginia.gov
Media Contact
Lori Crouch, APR
(757) 577- 2503
lori.crouch@integrityinsights.com
The Family and Children’s Trust (FACT) is seeking nominations for 4 FACT Champions to be recognized and celebrated for their exceptional impact in preventing family violence across the life span. Professionals and community members are invited to complete the application to nominate leaders who have made significant contributions in this space.
Awards will be made to recognize champions who have made significant impact in protecting and strengthening individuals and families in each of the following 4 categories of family violence prevention:
Once selected, awardees will be invited to attend FACT’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Reception on October 1st, 2026. Additionally, FACT will provide a $10,000 award to a 501(c) nonprofit organization in good standing, selected by the awardee, that is working in the space of family violence prevention in Virginia. The nominated individual may not be an employee, paid volunteer, or serve as a board member of the organization selected for funding*. The nominee may not currently serve on the FACT Board of Trustees
Applications and all requested information are due by August 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm
FACT reserves the right to request additional information regarding the nominee from the individual(s) making the nomination or any other source, and to consider such information in evaluating the nominations submitted. Failure to timely respond to requests for additional information may result in a nominee not being selected as a FACT Champion awardee.
Evaluation of all nominees and selection of all FACT Champion awardees is subject to FACT’s sole discretion and determination.
*Any funds awarded to an organization selected by a FACT Champion awardee is subject to approval by FACT. FACT reserves the right to require the FACT Champion awardee to select an alternative organization if the organization selected by the FACT Champion awardee does not meet FACT approval.
5/1/2026 – For Immediate Release
Richmond, Va. – The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia is proud to announce that Virginia has been designated the first State Section of the Association of Professionals Solving the Abuse of Children, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the Commonwealths’ response to child abuse and neglect.
APSAC is a national organization that brings together leading researchers and practitioners dedicated to preventing and addressing child maltreatment. Through this new State Section, Virginia professionals will gain direct access to APSAC’s members-only network, cutting edge research and multidisciplinary collaboration opportunities.
FACT was instrumental in creating APSAC’s first State Section in the country. In addition, FACT purchased 20 APSAC memberships to ensure that eligible professionals across Virginia can participate, removing barriers to entry and expanding access to the latest knowledge and best practices. FACT will assist with coordinating monthly member meetings, creating a consistent forum for learning, collaboration and application of research.
“FACT is proud to take the lead in bringing APSAC expertise directly to Virginia,” said Nicole Poulin, FACT executive director. “By investing in memberships and convening professional across disciplines, we are strengthening the network of people working to prevent child abuse.”
FACT’s support aligns with its mission to prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting programs, partnerships and policies that improve outcomes for children and families.
About the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia
For 40 years, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) has advanced the prevention and treatment of family violence across the Commonwealth. As the only organization in Virginia addressing trauma and violence across the lifespan, FACT supports
initiatives focused on child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, and related forms of family trauma.
As a public-private partnership that does not receive state or federal tax dollars, FACT has the flexibility to invest in innovative solutions and direct its resources where they are needed most. Through grantmaking, research, convening and statewide leadership, FACT strengthens communities and works to prevent family violence before it begins.
For more information, visit www.fact.virginia.gov
Media Contact
Lori Crouch, APR
(757) 577- 2503
lori.crouch@integrityinsights.com
4/9/2026 – For Immediate Release
Richmond, Va. – Child sexual abuse remains a difficult but urgent issue, affecting 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys. A significant portion of these cases, an estimated 20 – 25 percent each year, involve children who exhibit problematic sexual behavior toward other children.
PSB occurs when a child engages in behavior that is developmentally inappropriate or harmful to another child. These cases often fall outside traditional systems of response. When the child who initiated the behavior is not a caregiver, Child Protective Services may not have jurisdiction, leaving law enforcement as the primary responder. As a result, many cases go unreported, inconsistently tracked or lack access to appropriate treatment.
The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia is working to change that.
“Problematic sexual behavior is treatable, and early intervention works,” said Nicole Poulin, executive director of FACT. “When children receive appropriate treatment, recidivism is extremely low. These are not children we should be losing in the system; they are children who need a coordinated, informed response.”
With a $110,000 investment, FACT supported the research, development and community-based rollout of a training program and toolkit designed to help localities better identify and respond to PSB cases. The effort builds on FACT’s earlier partnership with Justice 3D, which examined Virginia’s policies, protocols and legal framework.
That work included the development of statewide guidance released in 2023, identifying gaps in training, coordination, resources and system ownership. A central recommendation was increasing support and training for the multidisciplinary teams established in localities to respond to PSB cases.
These teams are intended to bring together law enforcement, Child Protective Services, child advocacy centers and other local partners to ensure cases are handled consistently, and children receive appropriate treatment and support. However, not all localities have teams as required by law.
The financial and human impact of early intervention is significant. Treatment for a child with problematic sexual behavior typically costs between $1,500 and $1,800 per child – compared to over $300,000 per year for a youth in the juvenile justice system, according to the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. PSB treatment is usually provided for free to families.
Several Virginia localities, including Norfolk, Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield, have multidisciplinary approaches to PSB cases. In January 2026, FACT expanded this work by training additional communities across the Commonwealth.
Participating localities in the January 2026 training include:
FACT recognizes that PSB is not an easy topic to discuss. However, raising awareness is a critical step in ensuring children receive the help they need.
“These cases can be uncomfortable to talk about but avoiding the conversation only increases the risk that children fall through the cracks,” Poulin said. “With the right tools, training, and coordination, communities can respond in ways that protect all children and lead to better outcomes.”
About the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia
For 40 years, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) has advanced the prevention and treatment of family violence across the Commonwealth. As the only organization in Virginia addressing trauma and violence across the lifespan, FACT supports initiatives focused on child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, and related forms of family trauma. As a public-private partnership that does not receive state or federal tax dollars, FACT has the flexibility to invest in innovative solutions and direct its resources where they are needed most. Through grantmaking, research, convening and statewide leadership, FACT strengthens communities and works to prevent family violence before it begins.
For more information, visit www.fact.virginia.gov
Media Contact
Lori Crouch, APR
(757) 577- 2503
lori.crouch@integrityinsights.com
3/19/2026 – For Immediate Release
Richmond, Va. – The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia has awarded $100,000 in Ad-Hoc Grants to organizations across the Commonwealth that provide critical support to individuals and families affected by family violence.
Ten organizations each received $10,000 to strengthen services that help individuals and families experiencing violence, trauma and crisis. The grants were approved during FACT’s recent board meeting.
“These grants give local organizations the flexibility to respond quickly to the needs of individuals and families in crisis,” said Nicole Poulin, executive director of FACT. “By supporting the organizations working on the front lines, FACT ensures resources and support are available to those who need it most.”
Many of the organizations will use the funds to provide direct financial assistance to clients, helping individuals and families meet urgent needs such as housing stability, transportation, or other necessities. Other grantees will use the funds to support staff capacity, provide support groups, and expand services such as translation or case management for survivors and families in need.
The following organizations received $10,000 grants:
FACT will accept applications for a second round of grants totaling $100,000 beginning April 1. Requests are reviewed by staff and approved by the Board of Trustees.
About the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia
For 40 years, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) has advanced the prevention and treatment of family violence across the Commonwealth. As the only organization in Virginia addressing trauma and violence across the lifespan, FACT supports initiatives focused on child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, and related forms of family trauma.
As a public-private partnership that does not receive state or federal tax dollars, FACT has the flexibility to invest in innovative solutions and direct its resources where they are needed most. Through grantmaking, research, convening and statewide leadership, FACT strengthens communities and works to prevent family violence before it begins.
For more information, visit www.fact.virginia.gov
Media Contact
Lori Crouch, APR
(757) 577- 2503
lori.crouch@integrityinsights.com
3/12/2026 – For Immediate Release
Richmond, Va. – Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia is celebrating 40 years preventing and treating family violence and protecting children. Established in 1986 by the Virginia General Assembly as a public-private partnership, FACT has distributed nearly $6 million in grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations. FACT remains the only organization in Virginia dedicated to addressing family violence and trauma across the lifespan – from child abuse and neglect to domestic violence and elder abuse.
Over four decades, FACT has evolved to meet emerging challenges while strengthening prevention efforts statewide. Milestones include the creation of the FACT and KIDS FIRST specialty license plates and participation in Virginia’s State Income Tax Check-Off Program to generate public support. FACT expanded its leadership role in 2012 when the Governor’s Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect was transferred to the organization.
In recent years, FACT has led groundbreaking initiatives, including becoming the first state funder of Trauma-Informed Community Networks, launching an issue brief series on trauma, developing statewide guidance and training on problematic sexual behavior in young children, publishing a Foundational State Plan for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse, supporting LEAP, the only evidence-based sexual assault prevention training specifically for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and releasing research and case studies on child fatalities in Virginia. FACT also established an Emergency Funds Project to help fill critical funding gaps and began receiving a portion of the Gaming Proceeds Fund to support prevention efforts.
“This anniversary is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when Virginia comes together to protect children and families,” said Nicole Poulin, FACT executive director. “For 40 years, FACT has identified emerging challenges and invested in solutions that strengthen communities and prevent violence before it begins. I’m thankful for the board members, partners and advocates who have shaped this work and energized by the opportunities ahead to build a safer future for every generation.”
FACT is marking its 40th anniversary with events throughout the year. In February, the organization hosted a legislative coffee hour to provide lawmakers an opportunity to learn more about its initiatives.
Later this year, FACT will recognize four community champions for their contributions to preventing family violence across Virginia.
About the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia
For 40 years, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) has advanced the prevention and treatment of family violence across the Commonwealth. As the only organization in Virginia addressing trauma and violence across the lifespan, FACT supports initiatives focused on child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, and related forms of family trauma.
As a public-private partnership that does not receive general state or federal tax dollars, FACT has the flexibility to invest in innovative solutions and direct its resources where they are needed most. Through grantmaking, research, convening and statewide leadership, FACT strengthens communities and works to prevent family violence before it begins.
For more information, visit www.fact.virginia.gov
Media Contact
Lori Crouch, APR
(757) 577- 2503
lori.crouch@integrityinsights.com
11/18/2025 – For Immediate Release
Richmond, Va. – The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia has awarded $144,000 in ad-hoc grants to 29 organizations across the Commonwealth to strengthen the prevention, treatment and public awareness of family violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.
The FACT Board of Trustees approved the first round of Fiscal Year 2026 ad-hoc grants during its September meeting. The funding is part of FACT’s $300,000 allocation for ad-hoc grant support this fiscal year, aimed at providing targeted resources to local governments and nonprofit organizations serving Virginia families.
Grant recipients represent a wide range of initiatives addressing critical needs in their communities, from trauma-informed care and community education to support services for victims and families. Some examples include:
A full list of organizations receiving funding can be found on FACT’s website.
“FACT’s ad-hoc grants allows us to be responsive to emerging needs and innovative solutions happening in communities across Virginia,” said Nicole Poulin, FACT executive director. “These investments help local governments and nonprofits enhance prevention and intervention services, strengthen partnerships, and build safer, more resilient families.”
FACT will release an updated grant application for additional ad hoc grants in January.
About Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia
For over 35 years, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund (FACT) has worked tirelessly toward the prevention and treatment of family violence across the Commonwealth of Virginia to support as many families as possible. FACT is the only organization in Virginia that addresses family violence and trauma across the lifespan – from child abuse and neglect to domestic violence to elder abuse and neglect. As a public-private partnership that does not receive any state or federal tax dollars, we have the flexibility and agility necessary to raise funds and dedicate our resources to the areas, issues and people that need it most. By directing all of our funds towards supporting local and state organizations, FACT has a direct impact on Virginia communities and with its partners who are working passionately to prevent, treat and ultimately end family violence. And through our information gathering and sharing and our own research, FACT has become the state-wide leader at the forefront of inter-generational family violence issues. For more information, visit https://www.fact.virginia.gov/
Media Contact
Lori Crouch, APR
(757) 577- 2503
lori.crouch@integrityinsights.com
10/16/2025 – For Immediate Release
Richmond, Va. – The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia is proud to announce five appointees to the Board of Trustees and recognize the continuing service of two dedicated members. These leaders bring diverse experience, a passion for community and strategic insight to help guide FACT’s mission to prevent and treat family violence.
“FACT looks forward to working with our new appointees,” said Nicole Poulin, FACT, executive director. “I also want to extend our deepest gratitude to Ginny Powell, Tarina Keene, Beverly Crowder, Allison Lawrence and Maureen Coffey for their dedication, insight and service during their tenure on the board. Their contributions have left a lasting mark on the organization.”
About Family and Children’s Trust of Virginia
Since 1986, the Family and Children’s Trust have supported work to prevent family violence across the Commonwealth of Virginia. FACT is the only organization in Virginia that promotes stability, safety and protection across generations to prevent child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and abuse and neglect against elders. As a public-private partnership that does not receive any state or federal tax dollars, we have the flexibility and agility necessary to raise funds and dedicate our resources to the areas, issues and people that need it most. FACT has become the state-wide leader in addressing the complex issues that impact family violence dynamics across the lifespan. For more information, visit https://www.fact.virginia.gov/.
Media Contact
Lori Crouch, APR
(757) 577- 2503
lori.crouch@integrityinsights.com
4/2/2025
Training program expanding to Roanoke and Hampton Roads in partnership with The Arc of Virginia
Richmond, Va. – The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia awarded a $200,000 grant to expand Virginia Commonwealth University’s Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention program to Roanoke and Hampton Roads.
The LEAP program provides training on healthy relationships and information about preventing abuse to adults with disabilities. The grant will support expanding training staff in Hampton Roads and the Roanoke Region for the next two years.
“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are more than seven times as likely to experience sexual assault and more likely to know their perpetrator compared to their peers. Despite these high rates, this is a population that is often left out of efforts to address sexual abuse” said Nicole Poulin, executive director, Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia. “LEAP is one of very few evidence-based training programs in the U.S. and FACT is proud to support the expansion to ensure more individuals have access to critical abuse prevention training.”
LEAP is a collaboration between VCU’s School of Social Work and the Partnership for People with Disabilities. The training takes place in four face-to-face 90-minute sessions that are taught by a trainer with a disability and a co-trainer.
“We know the significant time and resources required to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, and FACT’s commitment to helping address this issue is deeply appreciated and comes at a crucial time. The funds will significantly enhance our ability to provide vital resources, training and support to protect vulnerable Virginians.” Said Parthenia Dinora, Ph.D., Executive Director, VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities
Last year, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, FACT supported Richmond Residential Services Inc and The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham to become LEAP Certified Centers for Abuse Prevention and Safety. The trainers at these locations continue to offer two LEAP trainings a year and create an organization culture of empowerment and abuse prevention.
About Family and Children’s Trust of Virginia
Since 1986, the Family and Children’s Trust has been supporting work to prevent family violence across the Commonwealth of Virginia. FACT is the only organization in Virginia that promotes stability, safety and protection across generations to prevent child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and abuse and neglect against elders. As a public-private partnership that does not receive any state or federal tax dollars, we have the flexibility and agility necessary to raise funds and dedicate our resources to the areas, issues and people that need it most. FACT has become the state-wide leader in addressing the complex issues that impact family violence dynamics across the lifespan. For more information, visit https://www.fact.virginia.gov/.
Media Contact
Nicole Poulin
Executive Director
Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia
Cell: (804) 310-1520
Nicole.poulin@dss.virginia.gov