Christians In Action Inc

Christians in Action Inc is a charitable organization dedicated to providing shelter and services for abused and neglected children, with a primary goal of preventing child abuse in the community. Established over four decades ago, this nonprofit operates an emergency shelter for children and youth aged birth to seventeen. Located in a county with high incidences of abuse and neglect, the shelter serves children from all Mississippi counties, providing them with a safe haven when space is available.

The organization's mission is multifaceted, extending beyond just providing shelter. It aims to support the physical, emotional, and educational needs of these children. The agency offers food, clothing, transportation, and supervision, ensuring that the children are well-cared for while in shelter care. They also facilitate virtual education for those unable to attend school in person, utilizing laptops and virtual learning centers with educational assistance from shelter staff as needed. Recreational outings have resumed, albeit with limited capacity due to the ongoing pandemic.

In addition to shelter services, Christians in Action Inc provides psychological assessments and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision assessments for the children in their care. The nonprofit employs a full-time therapist, social worker, and victim services coordinator to work with the children, ensuring that all necessary services are provided during their stay. If a child confides in the therapist that they have experienced sexual abuse in addition to neglect or physical abuse, the therapist makes a report to the state hotline, initiating an investigation and potentially leading to the arrest of the perpetrator.

The agency also operates a Children's Advocacy Center, where children who have suffered felony physical abuse or sexual abuse receive forensic interviews and service referrals. They coordinate a Runaway Youth Program with the Hinds County Youth Court and MS Center for Police and Sheriffs, providing support and resources to at-risk youth. In 2021, the nonprofit opened a new program, the Central Mississippi Children's Advocacy Center, serving Hinds County and providing forensic interviews, family advocacy, and victim compensation form assistances to children who have suffered abuse.

Throughout its operations, Christians in Action Inc forms partnerships with various agencies, such as the District Attorney's Office, Child Protection Services, and Law Enforcement, creating a coalition that supports the children and families in need. The nonprofit continues to seek funding to provide operating resources for their emergency shelter, runaway program, and Children's Advocacy Center, ensuring they can continue their mission of providing shelter and services to abused and neglected children, while also working towards preventing child abuse in their community.