The CARE House of the Pee Dee, a nonprofit dedicated to providing child abuse victims with critical resources, officially opened its new facility in Manning on Friday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the occasion, drawing local officials, law enforcement representatives, and community partners who praised the organization’s mission to deliver help, hope, and healing to children and families.
The new facility will serve as a one-stop location for child abuse-related services, offering a supportive environment where children can access forensic interviews, medical evaluations, and trauma-focused therapies. The CARE House also provides advocacy and wraparound services designed to guide families through the often complex justice and healing processes.
“A world without children’s advocacy centers is a world where families navigate a tangled web of services,” said Alice Curry Gallego, Development Director of CARE House. “Here, we ensure no one falls through the cracks by working collaboratively with law enforcement, social services, and other partners.”
Since its founding in 2004, CARE House has served over 8,000 children in the Pee Dee region, which includes Florence, Marion, Clarendon, and Dillon counties. The Manning location expands the organization’s reach and brings its essential services closer to families in need. The center employs evidence-based therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, many of which are not otherwise available locally.
The facility also includes specialized spaces for forensic interviews. These interviews, conducted by trained professionals using the Child FIRST protocol, aim to minimize re-traumatization and provide crucial evidence for legal cases. Observers, including law enforcement and attorneys, can monitor interviews from a separate room, ensuring the child’s comfort and safety.
Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce board member Linda Jackson spoke on behalf of the organization, noting the center’s significance. “Your dedication to providing essential child abuse counseling services is a lifeline to our community,” Jackson said. “We are grateful for your commitment to making a positive impact.”
Meg Temple, Executive Director of CARE House, highlighted the importance of the center’s mission. “Children can’t help what has been done to them, and someone has to step up to help them move forward,” Temple said. “This center ensures that children have hope for the future, no matter their past experiences.”
The Manning facility’s opening signifies a strengthened commitment to supporting children and families in Clarendon County and beyond. For more information about CARE House or to access its services, visit www.carehousepeeedee.org.
