Members of the community awarded for helping children in need

Newton - They say there’s no “I” in Teamwork, but a team is made up of Individuals without whom the team would not function. Last Thursday, important players on Team Ginnie’s House were recognized for their outstanding work on behalf of the Child Advocacy Center. Ginnie’s House Children’s Advocacy Center is an important resource for children who have been or may have been abused (sexually or physically), assaulted, or witnessed a violent crime- including domestic violence. “Ginnie’s House’s mission is to provide a safe haven of comfort, healing and hope to children who are victimized from criminal abuse,” said Rachel Wallace, Executive Director of the center. Ginnie’s House is located in the Newton Square in a building provided to them by the county Board of Freeholders, and relies heavily on donations. Wallace explained “almost 80 percent of our funding is from private donations. None of the money donated goes to administrative costs either- it all goes to the kids.” Services funded include education for children and families, medical and court expenses, therapy for the child and many other things necessary for the child to heal from his or her experience. To achieve their mission - restoring hope in these children, Ginnie’s House relies on a network of agencies who act as their partners- Newton Memorial and St. Claire’s Hospitals, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, the state Division of Youth and Family Services, Center for Evaluation and Counseling and Family Intervention Services. “We work as a team to meet the needs of the family and child during and after the investigation.” Wallace explained. Ginnie’s House has 35 nonprofessional volunteers, and many professionals who also give their time help them in their mission. Thanks to those volunteers, more than 200 children were helped this past year. Ginnie’s House has served children in Sussex County for almost 10 years, and has been recognizing exceptional volunteers since 2001. There are three awards given each year. The Leadership Award is presented to a professional who shows outstanding leadership whose actions not only lead toward success of the center but also promote Ginnie’s House in the community. This years recipient is Helen Archontou, program administrator at Saint Claire’s. Archontou is on the board of director’s for Ginnie’s House and an active member of the program committee. She is the chair for the New Jersey Children’s Alliance and is continually advocating for the needs of Ginnie’s House and all New Jersey Child Advocacy Centers on the state level. Wallace said, “Helen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Ginnie’s House and is a wonderful mentor to all.” The Advocacy Award was presented this year to Janet Dashio. Dashio is investigative supervisor at the Division of Youth and Family Services and a member of the Sussex County Multi-Disciplinary Team- a team of local professionals with training and experience in child abuse. This award is given to a volunteer who acts significantly in promoting the center and raising awareness of child advocacy. “She attends meetings consistently, and is committed to the MDT process. As a supervisor, Janet oversees a unit of investigative workers, and is willing to share her knowledge with all,” said Wallace. Dashio also works as an after-hours responder, and is there for the children when they need to conduct investigations at the center or when they need to receive other services through Ginnie’s House. Five other awards were given to volunteers who were unable to be present at the ceremony. Betsy Carr, Tess Martin, Nora Ganelli and Carol Mann received awards for Outstanding Volunteerism for their efforts at Ginnie’s House in 2006. The fifth award went to WSUS’ Maria Lake, for the first annual Community Spirit Award. Wallace’s goals for Ginnie’s House in 2007 includes increased awareness of its mission and the needs of children who are abused. For more information about Ginnie’s House or to help out with donations or as a volunteer, contact Rachel Wallace at 973-5790770 or visit online at www.ginnieshouse.com.