The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CAC) is proud to announce a generous $15,000 grant from Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to fund the creation of a brand-new sensory room at its main campus. This therapeutic space will provide children with a safe and calming environment, tailored to support those affected by trauma, developmental challenges, or sensory processing needs.

In addition to the financial support, Suncoast Credit Union staff rolled up their sleeves and volunteered their time to help prepare the room for installation to create a welcoming atmosphere for the children served at CAC.

“Thanks to Suncoast Credit Union Foundation’s incredible generosity and hands-on support, we are creating a space that will play a critical role in the healing process,” said Alicia Shannon, CEO of the Children’s Advocacy Center. “This sensory room will be a calming refuge not only for children experiencing trauma but also for our dedicated staff who sometimes face the emotional toll of secondary trauma.”

Sensory rooms offer a variety of therapeutic benefits for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma. The room will feature soft lighting, tactile toys, soothing textures, sound machines, and other sensory tools designed to help children regulate emotions and reduce anxiety. Additionally, the space will serve as a wellness resource for CAC team members—providing a quiet place to recharge and manage the emotional challenges that often come with frontline advocacy work.

Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card; the credit union donates four cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $55 million.

“We believe that all children deserve the benefit of feeling safe and secure and this grant will allow this. With our roots in education, we understand the importance of children needing resources to begin the process of healing.” said Jeff Kunberger, Executive Director, Suncoast Foundations. “Working with the Children’s Advocacy Center allows our mission to come alive by nurturing resilience and restoring hope.”

This initiative is part of CAC’s ongoing commitment to providing trauma-informed services to children and families throughout the region.