Courthouse KidsCenter, Inc.
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The Wake County Bar Association has a proud tradition of dedicating itself to public service. Each year hundreds of Wake County lawyers participate in public service projects sponsored by the WCBA. In 2000 alone, over 300 WCBA lawyers participated in public service projects sponsored by the WCBA public service committee. More than 600 Wake County lawyers donated legal services to the County's Volunteer Lawyer Program. Countless others lawyers quietly participate in volunteer and public service activities outside of the WCBA and donate their time, services and resources to the betterment of the community.
In 2000, the public service tradition of the Wake County legal community was recognized by three prestigious awards received by the WCBA - the North Carolina Bar Association's Chief Justice Award, the Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, and the Wake County Volunteer Award.
The following projects are examples of the public service projects undertaken by the WCBA.
COURTHOUSE KIDSCENTER, INC
Until recently, the Wake County Courthouse had no facilities for children who must be at the courthouse because they are witnesses, the subject of child neglect or abuse or custody proceedings, their parents or guardians are required to be in the courts as witnesses or parties, or their parents have other business at the courthouse. The courtroom and its conflict is no place for children, especially if it involves a parent of the child, and children can be disruptive and distracting to the efficient functioning of the courtrooms and other offices in the courthouse. The courthouse halls are no place to leave children unsupervised. The judges, courthouse staff, and the Wake County Bar Association recognized that for the children's sake and that of the efficient administration of justice in our courts, our children needed a safe and appropriate place to be while at the courthouse.The Wake County Bar Association, through its Public Service Committee, initiated and spearheaded a project to organize, design, construct and operate, in partnership with other public agencies and private organizations, a modern and secure Children's Waiting Room near the courthouse. After five years of planning, fundraising and persistence, the Courthouse KidsCenter opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2000.
Located directly across the street from the Wake County Courthouse, the Courthouse KidsCenter is a fully equipped and expertly-staffed child care facility with the capacity to care for up to ten children, from infants to 8 year olds, at any one time. Through an agreement with the YMCA, the Courthouse KidsCenter is staffed with a full-time executive director and other paid and volunteer staff who provide games, toys and other appropriate activities for children in a colorful, child-friendly environment. The Courthouse KidsCenter actively collaborates with or refers families to other community organizations, programs, and services as may be determined appropriate.
The Courthouse KidsCenter is now governed and operated by Courthouse KidsCenter, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation distinct from the WCBA. To learn more about the Courthouse KidsCenter, visit www.courtkidscenter.org.
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Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think....
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow