NEW GRANT TO FUND SENSORY ROOM AT THE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER
PROVIDED BY SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION

Fort Myers, FL – 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.
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About the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida is a safe haven for children affected by abuse and neglect. Our mission is to create a nurturing space where children can share their stories, begin to heal, and access the comprehensive support they need to thrive. Through specialized services—including forensic interviews, medical exams, trauma-informed therapy, and prevention education—we address both immediate needs and long-term recovery. With a focus on prevention and community education, we work to break cycles of abuse and build a more compassionate future. Together, we advocate for every child’s right to feel heard, supported, and empowered to reclaim their future. To learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida or to support its programs, please visit www.cac-swfl.org

About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $19.0 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.3 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $55 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.