Children & Family Advocacy Center

Nonprofit finalist
Children & Family Advocacy Center
Little Flock

Executive director: Natalie Tibbs
Year founded: 2023
Line of work: Individual and family services
Website: cfacbentonco.com

The Children & Family Advocacy Center was established in 2023 by merging two long-standing nonprofits dedicated to restoring the lives of children and families impacted by trauma.

The merger included the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County, an agency that served children and families when there were allegations of child abuse, and Restoration Village, a long-term shelter for women and their children who had experienced domestic abuse, homelessness and other forms of trauma.

The merger not only consolidated resources but also pooled over 30 years of experience in serving the community and aiding individuals in their recovery from abuse.

The CFAC offers comprehensive services, including advocacy, forensic interviews, medical examinations, mental health counseling and residential care, all provided at no cost to the client.

The CFAC’s mission is to break the cycle of abuse and build resilient families through a holistic, trauma-informed approach.

After the merger, the CFAC offers long-term residential care for women and their children. “This service is not common practice for advocacy centers in the state, but we hope that the center is setting a new standard for the way victims of trauma are helped,” executive director Natalie Tibbs said.

The CFAC opened a satellite location in Gentry in November 2020, ensuring that families in western Benton County and beyond have access to vital services. The strategic move has led to a gradual increase in the number of individuals served, with the CFAC witnessing a 2% -5% annual growth in clientele.

Tibbs said that the CFAC also prides itself on nurturing leadership within its ranks and actively engaging with the community. Many staff members are invited to speak at prestigious events and provide training to frontline investigators statewide. The CFAC also plays a pivotal role in influencing legislative policy to enhance child protection measures in Arkansas.

Setting itself apart from competitors, the CFAC offers acute and long-term trauma recovery solutions. Its emphasis on collaboration, evidenced by partnerships with local law enforcement, prosecutors, child maltreatment investigators, social workers, schools and other youth-serving organizations ensures that clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

Looking ahead, the CFAC — which has grown from 20 employees to 38 in the past five years — envisions impacting at least 50,000 individuals in Benton County by 2030, striving for a cultural shift that breaks the cycle of abuse. The CFAC aims to create a safer, more resilient community for all through continued growth, strategic planning and commitment to its mission.

In partnership with organizations like The Call, Saving Grace, and NWA Women’s Shelter, the CFAC provides care to those in need. These collaborations exemplify the center’s belief in the power of community and its dedication to restoring hope to the lives of children and families in Northwest Arkansas.