Paris, Tenn.–Carl Perkins Center Director Carly Wheat welcomed everyone to today’s ribbon-cutting and open house at the center’s new headquarters in downtown Paris and said, “It really does take a village and we’re so thankful for all the support we’ve received.”
A large crowd was on hand for the official opening of the new location for the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse at 305 W. Washington St.
Wheat looked back at how far the center has come since it began in 2012 in a one-room office, then moving to the 911 building and now with its own place, a former home which is decorated to provide a comfortable and safe atmosphere for the children and families in crisis.
She noted that most of the items in the center have been donated. “It’s truly amazing that we’ve been able to expand our services like this. There are so many people to thank, from the staff, the board, the volunteers, the people who have donated. We want people to feel like they’re coming into a home here and we want people to feel comfortable and safe.”
She noted that the work the center does often takes years with lasting scars left on the children. “We want the kids to know we’re with them every step of the way,” she said.
Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell read a proclamation on behalf of both the city and Henry County, noting that child abuse has sadly reached epidemic proportions and that the Carl Perkins Center provides an integral role.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin.