MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — After more than a quarter-century of operating without a dedicated home, the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County (CAC) has officially purchased its existing office space at 503 Highland Terrace. The non-profit organization finalized the acquisition of the 8,000-square-foot building from Dr. James Garner on February 26, marking a historic milestone for the agency.
The purchase is a central component of an ongoing $3.1 million capital campaign designed to provide the CAC with the infrastructure necessary to handle the region's rapid growth. Currently, the campaign has raised approximately $2.7 million—roughly 87% of its target—thanks to contributions from over 60 donors, including the John D. Floyd Charitable Foundation, SRM Concrete, the Heart of Rutherford Foundation, and Rutherford County government.
"This achievement has been 26 years in the making," stated Dr. Trey Duke, CAC Board Chair and Director of Murfreesboro City Schools. Duke noted that the organization has historically struggled within a cramped 1,800-square-foot layout, which often compromised the privacy of the vulnerable families they serve.
Addressing a Critical Space Shortage
The expansion into the full 8,000-square-foot facility is a necessity rather than a luxury. Despite employing a staff of 16 and hosting four MTSU interns, the CAC has been operating with only a single forensic interview room. The lack of space has forced some families to wait in their vehicles to ensure confidentiality while other cases are being processed.
The new permanent location will feature:
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Enhanced private waiting areas for families.
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Dedicated collaborative spaces for the Child Protective Investigative Team.
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Increased capacity for forensic interviews and crisis counseling.
A Growing Need in a Growing County
As the fourth largest county in Tennessee, Rutherford County’s population is projected to double over the next two decades. The CAC’s workload reflects this trajectory; in the 2024-25 fiscal year alone, the center assisted 3,298 individuals, including over 1,300 children.
The urgency is underscored by sobering national statistics. Approximately 10% of children experience sexual abuse before age 18, yet only 38% of those victims ever disclose the trauma. Furthermore, 80% of abuse cases never reach official authorities, leaving many children to suffer in silence.
Collaborative Path to Healing
The CAC operates as a 501c3 non-profit, providing a neutral, child-friendly environment where law enforcement from Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, and the Sheriff's Office coordinate with the District Attorney and Department of Children’s Services. This team-based approach is vital for conducting legally defensible interviews and providing the therapy needed to break cycles of abuse and addiction.
While the state mandates the work the CAC performs, Dr. Duke emphasized that there is no permanent government funding for their capital investments or daily operations. The organization relies heavily on community generosity to bridge the gap.
Community members interested in supporting the final phase of the capital campaign can find more information at cacrutherford.org.
