TRACY HARRIS – Staff Writer
On April 4, some of our “hometown heroes” gathered together for Marshall County Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention at the Lewisburg Police Department. The blue and white pinwheels they placed represent the clients of Junior’s House in 2023, more than 600 child abuse victims in the 17th Judicial District. Unfortunately, the number of children that Junior’s House serves, grows every year. A lot of people in Marshall County pull together for child victims and they were captured in the photo above on Thursday morning.
Junior’s House is non-profit organization funded solely by grants, donations, and fundraising. Their offices are located in Fayetteville, Lewisburg, and Shelbyville. They serve the 17th Judicial District-Lincoln, Marshall, Bedford, and Moore Counties. No client ever pays for any services. Usually children arrive at Juniors House because a court or DCS has suggested that the family utilize their services, but anyone can make a referral, including the family themselves.
According to Brandee Worsham, a part-time therapist at Junior’s House, most clients do have some sort of abuse or trauma. That abuse may be sexual, physical, or neglect. They have worked with children who have been victims of cybersex crimes, exploitation, and sex trafficking victims. They also see children following traumatic events like domestic violence/intimate partner violence and death/murder. “Trauma can encompass many things,” she said.
There are currently nine employees and three open positions. They also have a therapy dog Allin-a favorite of employees and clients. All of the therapists have Master’s Degrees in Social Work, Psychology, or related fields and are trained in (TF-CBT), their primary therapy modality.
Counselors will use other forms of therapy if a child needs it. Worsham said, “We assess the children’s needs to determine the best therapeutic approach for that child. We also have a Family Advocate who meets with the caregivers to provide information on trauma and what they might expect from the child.” They use things like (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (DBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, (EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, and traditional talking like most people picture when they think of “counseling.” With younger kids, play therapy may be the best approach, so they use that too.
Worsham said, “It amazes me how many people have never heard of [Junior’s House], nor know that any services like us exists. Unless you had to utilize the service, you probably wouldn’t. That is why we are trying to raise more awareness. This isn’t a big city problem, unfortunately abuse can happen to anyone. I hate that a place like Junior’s House has to exist, but I sure am thankful that it does for those that need it.”
Brandee Worsham has been with Junior’s House for nine years in total and recently became part-time after taking a position with Marshall County Schools as a Behavior Interventionist.
The 20th Annual Blue Ribbon Walk will be held May 9, 2024, at 9:30 at Lincoln County Fairgrounds. If you’re interested in being a sponsor to support Child Abuse Prevention, call 931-438-3233 or email crystal@juniorshousecac.org. Students K-12 can participate for $25 as a Student Walker, or anyone can join as Walker/Friend Sponsor with a donation of $30-$149. You can register online at www.juniorshousecac.org.
