CARE House, whose mission is to provide a coordinated team response to child abuse through prevention, intervention and advocacy, has served over 11,500 child victims in our region since opening its doors in 1999. More than a child advocacy center, it provides children and families with a safe, child‑centered space designed to help ensure they are not further traumatized as they navigate the social service system.
CARE House offers support and hope for children and families affected by abuse in the community, serving as a role model for best practices for children’s advocacy centers nationwide.
“Before CARE House existed, children had to retell painful stories multiple times,” said Amy Ferguson, director of CARE House. “We proudly provide an environment for individuals to feel a sense of safety and support, be it in the forensic interview room, when meeting with a medical provider for an exam or spending time processing with a mental health clinician. We choose not to focus on what brings a child to us, rather on what tools we can give them to use when they leave.”
National statistics show that 1 in 4 children experience some form of abuse in their lifetime, and 1 in 10 are sexually assaulted before age 18. Locally, the region has seen a surge in child abuse cases, with the number of children served by CARE House each year nearly doubling for more than a decade. In 2024 alone, 1,117 children were assisted – a strong indicator of the urgent need to expand its facility and trauma-informed services.
“Thanks to the inspiring generosity of [Patty and Dick Glennon], we are taking meaningful steps toward a brighter future for the children we serve”
–Amy Ferguson, director of CARE House
To meet these needs, CARE House, which falls under the fiscal umbrella of Dayton Children’s Hospital, has announced a $5.3 million expansion project. Plans include adding 1,900 square feet to its current facility, as well as renovating its existing 5,000 square feet to improve access, privacy and care coordination.
To jumpstart the project, longtime CARE House supporters Patty and Dick Glennon have granted $1 million through The Patricia and Richard Glennon Family Foundation of The Dayton Foundation.
Dick and Patty Glennon
“Our deep commitment to children’s well-being has guided the majority of our philanthropic gifts. No child should go without – whether it’s basic needs like food and clothing or the love, support and justice they deserve in their most vulnerable moments,” said Patty and Dick Glennon, Dayton Foundation fund holders since 2013. “When we walked through CARE House, we saw warmth, compassion and hope. This expansion isn’t just necessary, it’s urgent.”
Expansion plans include additional space for therapy and medical suites to increase access to specialized care for more children; a soundproof interview room and redesigned team areas to enhance privacy and collaboration among providers; and a calming outdoor courtyard to support restorative healing for children, families and staff.
“Thanks to the inspiring generosity of the Glennons, we are taking meaningful steps toward a brighter future for the children we serve,” Amy said. “Their support is helping to create spaces designed for healing and dignity – including expanded mental health therapy and medical areas, enhanced privacy for families and calming environments that strengthen coordinated, trauma-informed care.”
Support like the Glennons’ grant also will assist CARE House in reducing barriers to healing, shortening wait times for services and expanding prevention and education efforts across the community. Additional donations for the project will help children feel heard, protected and supported as they begin their path toward healing, as well as give more families the resources and stability they need to move forward, break cycles of abuse and build a safer, healthier future for their children.
“Philanthropic support plays a vital role in the daily operations at CARE House, from forensic interviews and medical exams to therapy sessions and family advocacy,” said Jena Pado, FAHP, CFRE, vice president and chief development officer for Dayton Children’s Hospital Foundation. “As CARE House expands to meet the growing demand for trauma-informed services, it’s the generosity of our community that ensures every child receives the care, safety and healing they deserve, not just today but every day.”
To support CARE House and its expansion project, you may make a grant through your Dayton Foundation donor-advised fund or Charitable Checking Account℠ through Donor Express, or visit thecarehouse.org to donate directly.