Okaloosa County School Superintendent Marcus Chambers has donated $25,000 from his unused campaign funds to the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC), supporting vital programs including child safety education in local schools.
- The donation will help fund ECCAC’s Safety Matters prevention program, which teaches children how to recognize and respond to unsafe situations.
“Investing in the ECCAC is an investment in our community’s future,” Chambers said. “Their transformative mission is to heal and support traumatized children, restore lost innocence, and instill hope. Together, we can make a profound difference, ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and understood.”
Julie Porterfield, CEO of ECCAC, who accepted the donation, emphasized its significance for the organization’s mission.
- “This gift will make a significant difference in the lives of the children and families we serve,” Porterfield said. “We offer the support they need to heal and find hope again. Our therapy and advocacy teams walk alongside children who have suffered abuse.”
Last year, ECCAC assisted 1,585 children and provided Safety Matters prevention education to 17,480 students in area schools. The organization recently launched CARES (Community Awareness, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support), a new program targeting family support.
The center provides services at no cost to children and their families at locations in both Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Those who suspect child abuse can report it anonymously to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. For more information about ECCAC’s services, visit www.eccac.org.
