VOCA: 20 years of a healing circle for kids

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, July 31, 2007

A local agency that counsels sexually abused children is celebrating 20 years of service in Clatsop County.

Astoria-based non-profit The Healing Circle sponsors an annual VOCA Camp for kids at Warrenton’s Camp Kiwanilong each fall. VOCA stands for Victory Over Child Abuse.

In addition to traditional summer activities like toasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire, specially trained counselors talk with kids about healthy boundaries, positive attitudes, and sensitive topics related to abuse.

It’s an opportunity for abused kids to reclaim their fundamental right to respect, as well as a chance to play in a safe, bucolic camp setting.

Georgina Jones has been program director for the past six years. Like many small non-profits, The Healing Circle maintains low overhead to keep going.

“We exist mostly on community contributions,” she said. “Every year we struggle and somehow it all works.”

The group’s modest office in downtown Astoria is replete with second-hand furniture: comfy couches and chairs, toys, and other kid-friendly gear. The office is a meeting place for kids who get together once a month to reinforce the constructive attitudes they learned at camp.

It’s also the financial nerve center of the organization, where Jones, the sole employee, works to make ends meet and coordinate annual camp activities.

The group holds fundraising activities each year: a concert, a barbecue, an auction, sometimes a raffle. They recently sent out a mailer to county businesses seeking donations.

The Healing Circle is a United Way Agency, which means the group receives contributions to VOCA through its Clatsop County branch.

Sometimes, too, unexpected in-kind assistance comes their way. Astoria entrepreneur Margaret Smith owns Coastal Home Staging; she helps homeowners spruce up their houses for maximum appeal to potential buyers.

Smith recently donated her services to redecorate The Healing Circle office, complete with a cheerful coat of butter yellow paint on the walls.

Jones said the group’s non-profit status means they can solicit grants. But, in general, grant money is much easier to obtain for startup projects than it is for ongoing programs.

Camp attendance is free to kids, and adult buddies are volunteers. It costs about $300 to send a kid to VOCA camp. The entire camp, both sessions, costs about $12,000 annually.

The next 20 years?

Jones works part time for The Healing Circle. She’s worked for non-profits before, but said this is the most rewarding work she’s ever done.

“This place really walks the talk,” she said.

As the organization heads into its second 20 years, Jones harbors a long-term dream of starting a group home to help older kids who are making a transition away from abusive situations.

“We have lots of ideas,” she said. “But they’re all contingent on funding.”

In the short term, The Healing Circle still needs $4,000 to finance this fall’s camp. That’s if all the grants they’ve applied for come through.

“The fact that the camp exists is very healing,” Jones said. “These kids are really brave; we see them as courageous survivors. They’re learning that they don’t have to be defined by abuse.”

For more information about VOCA, call The Healing Circle at (503) 325-2761. The group accepts donations on its Web site: www.ourhealingcircle.org.