Joyce McConnell speaks at the event.
JAMES WOOD
Staff Writer
Hundreds took to the track at Shelbyville Central High School as Leadership Bedford, a program affiliated with the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, hosted a walk to spread awareness for child advocacy non-profit Junior’s House.
Youth President of Leadership Bedford Aidan Roberts highlighted the importance of spreading awareness for children who are voiceless in the community.
“There has been months of discussion, organization, execution, and excitement for this event,” Roberts continued. “This isn’t just a walk, it is an opportunity to defend innocence, to hear the unheard, and to raise vital awareness and funds for a necessary service in our community.”
With over 200 participants on Saturday and $38,000 raised, the event captured a positive energy from the community.
Roberts shared his motivation behind connecting with Junior’s House.
“It spoke to me how Junior’s House is protecting children,” Aidan Roberts continued. “I think God had a hand in us choosing them.”
Several organizations and businesses contributed to the cause as well, including Stone Depot, Lowe’s Home Improvement and the Celebration offering supplies for the event.
Junior’s House was founded in 2001 by Detective Joyce McConnell of Fayetteville after she was called to a child abuse case, where six-year-old Junior was tragically beaten to death in a severe case of abuse and neglect.
McConnell elaborated on her mission to start Junior’s House in a speech she gave during the event.
“So many children suffer because of fear, pain and the belief that nobody will believe them,” said McConnell.
Once momentum began to pick up, the first advocacy center was officially opened in 2003 with normal operating hours.
“A village of people worked to start the advocacy center,” McConnell continued. “When children go to Junior’s House, they begin to feel like there is a new tomorrow.”
By serving the community with therapy, advocacy, and forensic interviews with no charge, the aim of the organization is to work with law enforcement and the greater community to ensure that such a tragedy will not happen again.
Junior’s House has three offices in Lincoln, Marshall, and Bedford Counties, offering services to protect children in all three communities and beyond.
