For 21 years, Dearing House Child Advocacy Center has been a pillar of support for children in Ponca City and the surrounding communities. As a nationally accredited organization, Dearing House follows rigorous standards to ensure that every child receives evidence-based care and support during the most challenging times of their lives. "We have really high standards that are established at a national level so that every child who comes to a child advocacy center gets consistently evidence-based services," says Maggie Hutchason, the former Executive Director and current forensic interviewer.
Without Dearing House, the process of reporting and investigating child abuse cases would be scattered and burdensome for children. Before the existence of child advocacy centers, children might have to recount their traumatic experiences multiple times—to a teacher, a principal, DHS, law enforcement, and more. "A child can have to tell their story eight times without the collaboration, coordination, and function of a child advocacy center," Maggie explains. Today, Dearing House streamlines this process, minimizing re-traumatization by coordinating services and conducting forensic interviews that are recorded and conducted in a child-friendly, evidence-based manner.
Through a multidisciplinary team that spans five communities, two counties, and five tribal entities, Dearing House ensures that children receive the support they need while law enforcement and child welfare professionals work together effectively. "The community works together to make sure that traumatized children are getting everything that they need," Maggie adds.
Maggie, the founding director of Dearing House, has been at the helm since its inception for 21 years. With an unexpected career shift from gerontology to child advocacy, she embraced the role with dedication. Over the years, she has accumulated extensive training, and last year after semi-retiring she stepped back from her role as executive director, she continues to handle forensic interviews and public relations, ensuring that Dearing House remains a beacon of hope for children in need. "There is a child who's carrying a really heavy burden that doesn't know what to do with it, and it's my job to put that on my shoulders," Maggie says, reflecting on her personal motivation. "And my shoulders have a team of people they know that are trained to do this. And so we take that burden off the child, and we take it on our shoulders, and I'm happy to do that for them."
As the need for services has grown, so has the demand for space. Currently housed in a 1,800-square-foot building, Dearing House is preparing for a long-overdue expansion. The organization recently acquired additional land, adding 600 square feet of new office and counseling space. This addition, named Dottie's Place in honor of Maggie's late mother, will provide a dedicated entrance for children receiving counseling services, ensuring greater privacy and a more comfortable environment. "We're going to add on just about 600 square feet," explained Maggie. The space, which is currently the driveway, will be turned into more office space, more privacy, and a better environment for counseling.
The expansion will also improve the working conditions for staff, who currently share a small office space, and will enhance facilities for forensic interviews and medical exams related to sexual assault cases.
Fundraising efforts for Dottie's Place are already underway. Thanks to prudent financial planning by the organization's founders, half of the expansion's budget is already covered. However, the rising cost of construction means additional funds are needed. "Everything we raise in April essentially would be doubled," says Maggie, highlighting the importance of the upcoming fundraising campaign.
April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, will mark a major fundraising push, including a matching grant campaign where every dollar raised (up to $10,000) will be matched. Dearing House is also actively seeking volunteers—whether skilled contractors or community members willing to help with painting and finishing work once construction begins.
In addition, Dearing House will host its annual Steppin' Out To Stop Child Abuse walk on April 18th at noon. The walk will start at 311 S 13th, Ponca City, at Dearing House and proceed to City Central (about 1 mile). No pre-registration is required—just show up! Refreshments and rides back to Dearing House will be available.
Dearing House accepts donations via check or through their website, which offers a convenient online donation portal. Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that children in crisis receive the care and protection they need.
As the organization expands, the community's continued support will be crucial in making Dottie's Place a reality. To learn more about how you can contribute, visit their website or stop by Dearing House in person.
Dearing House has provided a safe space for children in need for over two decades. With the upcoming expansion, they will be even better equipped to fulfill their mission: to end the effects of abuse for every child who walks through their doors. "We've seen a lot of kids come from a really hard place and still reach their full potential," Maggie concludes.
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