By Rob Goeke, VISTA, The New Orleans Children's Advocacy Center
As an AmeriCorps VISTA at the New Orleans Children’s Advocacy Center, I am on the periphery for the work most of my colleagues do: patients come for forensic interviews or forensic medical exams and I have little to no direct interaction. But I overhear their stories.  These stories are hard for me to digest, but they make me want to do my job as best as I can.
Families who arrive at my workplace arrive under hard circumstances, but in every circumstance, they leave with hope: the hope of recovery, the hope of healing, the hope of renewal.
Previously, I worked as a teacher. I saw beautiful humanity in each child I was privileged to teach. I see that same humanity in each child that walks through the NOCAC’s doors. The love parent’s show here under such duress continually inspires me.Â
Child abuse, and its causes, ripple across New Orleans. As Darkness to Light’s Prevent Now states, child abuse is the 2nd most expensive crime. But that’s only a fiscal calculation. The social one is immeasurable.
Live in south Louisiana for any time and images of Louisiana identity become emblazoned into your psyche. The amorous feelings locals and transplants have for this area doesn’t really have logical explanation: only religious, spiritual and emotional. I’ve succumbed to this. Any time I leave Louisiana, within 48 hours, I need a shot of Kermit Ruffins or begin to miss seeing Po-Boy signs or ads for Lenten Menus everywhere.
However, one sees the deep social issues affecting this city working at a place like the NOCAC. But the enduring strength of each family that comes to our cottage shows how great this city is, and how much greater it can be.
Ending abuse, protecting all children, and helping all get access to the services they need is how this city can reach its potential on a macro-level. But imparting changes on a case-by-case, person-by-person basis will filter into the macro.
 New Orleans is a great place, even with one of the nation’s highest child abuse death rates. It can be so much better.
The purpose of this blog is to Greaux Hope. Hope that child abuse can end. Hope that it can be prevented. Hope that victims can heal.Â
It will be a collection of resources, perspectives and information from the various AmeriCorps members that work under the Louisiana CASA Association and Children’s Advocacy Center’s of Louisiana. Follow this blog to learn, feel inspired and Greaux the Hope.
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