Beckie Francis has used her experience as a women's basketball coach to advocate for victims of sexual abuse. As a survivor herself, she publicly shared her story in 2012 and received an award for her courage. She continues to support organizations like the CARE House, which offers resources for abused children and their families, including therapy and advocacy to ensure children are placed in safe, permanent homes. The CARE House also runs prevention programs to support at-risk families.

2.  With more than a decade of experience as
a collegiate women’s basketball coach,
Beckie Francis has used her influence to
improve the lives of children. A survivor of
childhood sexual abuse, she shared her
story publicly in 2012 and was the recipient
of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association’s
Pat Summit Most Courageous Award in
2013. Beckie Francis continues to advocate
for victims of sexual abuse through her
involvement with numerous organizations
such as the CARE House.

3.  The CARE House offers a variety of supportive resources for
children who have experienced abuse, including
individual and group therapy for both survivors and their
families. When Child Protective Services reports a possible
case of abuse, the organization provides a secure place
for children to receive help. With a primary focus on each
child’s safety, the CARE House interviews children using a
multi-disciplinary approach that minimizes the trauma of
discussing such experiences. Additionally, volunteers in the
CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) program
advocate for children who have become wards of the
court system due to abuse or neglect. These advocates
work to ensure that each child’s case ends with
permanent placement in a suitable home.

4.  The CARE House also works to raise
awareness of and prevent child abuse
such as the Healthy Start/Early Head
Start program which supports at-risk
families through child development
programs.