About Us
Who we are
Ray of Hope Advocacy Center is a child-focused, facility-based program in which representatives from many disciplines (law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy) work together, conducting joint forensic interviews and making team decisions about the investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse cases. We are a community-based program designed to meet the unique needs of Northeast Oklahoma. We believe child abuse is a multifaceted community problem and no single agency, individual or discipline has the necessary knowledge, skills or resources to serve the needs of all children and their families independently. Ray of Hope Advocacy Center’s primary goal is to ensure that children are not further victimized by the intervention systems designed to protect them.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to facilitate a coordinated, community response and to provide hope and support to children and families impacted by abuse.
Where we came from
The Washington County Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team was founded in 1977 by a group of professionals that recognized a need for collaboration when intervening in cases of child abuse and neglect within our community. In 2003 the Ray of Hope Advocacy Center (formerly Washington County Child Safety Network) was incorporated to begin the work of establishing a Child Advocacy Center to serve Washington County and the surrounding communities. In 2005 the WCMDT and the Ray of Hope Advocacy Center were awarded a Program Development Grant from the National Children’s Alliance to establish a Children’s Advocacy Center. The Ray of Hope Advocacy Center opened its doors in May 2005 and in October 2006 became an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance, joining over 375 other member programs across the United States.
Staff
Rhonda Hudson, Director
rhonda@rayofhopeac.org
Lori Rose, Victim and Family Advocate
lori@rayofhopeac.org
Jennifer Chafin, Forensic Interviewer
Michelle Hastings, Forensic Interviewer
Board of Directors
Lisa Cary, President
Robert Winters, Vice President
Marice Wasemiller, Secretary
Luke Oyster, Treasurer
Larry Thrash
Sara Freeman
Elizabeth Ricketson
Lindsey Pickering
Emily Ward
Deidra Mooney
Jill Epperson
Damon Isaacs
Juli Merciez
