MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — Twenty-five years ago, Sharon DeBoer stepped into a nascent vision for the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Rutherford County, dreaming of a sanctuary where traumatized children and their families could find solace and support. As the founding director, DeBoer crafted a warm, home-like environment tailored for young victims of child abuse, sexual assault, and drug exposure, along with their non-offending caregivers in Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

"I wanted it to feel nothing like a sterile government building—just a comforting home where kids could open up without fear," DeBoer reflected. Her milestone quarter-century of service was joyfully commemorated in August at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce's anniversary event.

The initiative took root when former District Attorney Bill Whitesell championed the CAC model for Middle Tennessee, recruiting DeBoer to spearhead it. Starting solo as the sole paid employee, she assisted 233 children and 13 family members in that inaugural year within Rutherford County alone. Fast-forward to today: Her team has expanded to 14 dedicated staffers, extending services to Cannon County and transforming the center into a nationally accredited beacon of child advocacy excellence.

Under DeBoer's stewardship—and bolstered by Whitesell and countless collaborators—the CAC has touched nearly 50,000 lives, including over 22,000 children, fostering paths to safety, accountability, and recovery.

From Dream to Tangible Change

DeBoer grasped early on the critical role of unified action in combating child trauma. The CAC's innovative framework unites the Department of Children's Services, law enforcement, prosecutors, and expert CAC personnel into a seamless alliance. This approach spares children the agony of retelling their ordeals in harsh, fragmented interviews, allowing a single, compassionate forensic session in a nurturing space where specialists collaborate for the child's best interest.

The outcomes speak volumes. Pre-CAC, Rutherford County saw just a trickle of child abuse prosecutions annually. Now, armed with the center's rigorous forensic interviews and testimony, the District Attorney's office pursues justice with unwavering resolve, holding perpetrators accountable and shielding more innocents.

"Each child who enters our doors represents an opportunity to replace terror with trust," DeBoer shared. "That's the fire that keeps me going."

Confronting Stark Realities with Resolve

The numbers paint a grim picture: One in 10 children faces sexual abuse before turning 18, but over 80% of incidents evade official notice. Shockingly, only 38% of victims ever confide in anyone—and often, it's a peer rather than a protective adult.

Undeterred, DeBoer has devoted her career to amplifying those brave voices, ensuring they're validated and empowered. Her leadership has scaled the CAC to a $1.5 million operation with 14 professionals, aiding 3,298 individuals last year alone—1,314 of them children.

A Legacy of Healing and Awareness

Beyond direct aid, DeBoer's influence has reshaped community vigilance. Over 17,084 locals have completed the CAC's Darkness to Light training, gaining vital tools to safeguard kids from harm.

Hailed by the National Children's Advocacy Center in Washington, D.C., as one of the country's premier programs, Rutherford's CAC stands as a testament to DeBoer's foresight. Yet for her, true validation lies in the relieved expressions of children departing unburdened. "When they leave, it's like they realize, 'This weight isn't mine to carry—the grown-ups have it now.' Suddenly, they're just kids again," she said.

A Community's Tribute to a Trailblazer

Surrounded by colleagues, allies, and grateful families at her 25-year gala, DeBoer expressed deep gratitude. "Directing the Child Advocacy Center has been the greatest honor of my life," she noted. "It's always been a collective triumph, and together, we've forever altered thousands of young lives."

For a quarter-century, Sharon DeBoer has transcended her role as director to become a visionary champion and unwavering pillar of compassion. Her imprint endures in the resilient spirits of healed children and a fortified community—safer, more empathetic, and united against abuse.

For more details, visit cacrutherford.org.