Kids Hub, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for abused children, has opened its doors in Hattiesburg.
DiDi Ellis, executive director of Kids Hub, said in previous Item coverage, that the goal of Kids Hub is to respond to child abuse with a multidisciplinary approach that will reduce trauma for the victims and their non-offending caregivers.
The new location in Hattiesburg will provide forensic interviews to children who have been sexually or physically abused, and /or who have witnessed a violent crime. This month the Hattiesburg location will begin serving Pearl River County, Lamar County and Forrest County, said Ellis.
In 2014, Kids Hub staffed 228 cases of abused children, with the help of the multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team is comprised of representatives from the Poplarville and Picayune Police Departments, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, mental health agencies, the Department of Home Services, the District Attorney’s office, medical providers and youth court personnel, according to previous Item coverage.
All services provided by Kids Hub come at no cost to the families they are servicing, said Ellis. Kids Hub relies solely on grants, fundraisers and donations to fund operations.
On July 17th through the 19th Kids Hub will sponsor Keys for a Cause, a fundraising event that will feature Broadway performers Philip Fortenberry, pianist/conductor of Jersey Boys, and Rebecca Spencer, who has appeared in Jekyll and Hyde and Phantom of the Opera, said Ellis.
During the event, Kids Hub will discuss how the donated money will be used to assist children. The event will be held at Southern Oaks House and Gardens in Hattiesburg. Tickets are $35. To purchase tickets call 601-441-1489.
For more information on Kids Hub visit their website at Kidshubms.com.