There is one part of Cheryl Gartner’s job as executive director of Bastrop’s Children’s Advocacy Center that will be difficult for her to leave.

“I will miss the kids,” Gartner said on Thursday. “These kids amaze me. The strength they show getting through some terrible times for them is incredible.”

After 11 years with the center, and 28 years overall in the community, Gartner is on her way to northern California.

“I currently have a long-distance relationship with a wonderful man and I am ready to get rid of the long-distance aspect of it,” Gartner said with a huge smile. “I am hoping to work part-time in California conducting forensic interviews with a similar center there.”

Gartner has strong praise for the team she is leaving at the Children’s Advocacy Center and confidence they will carry on with valuable work.

“The center staff is an amazing group of women,” Gartner said. “They are very dedicated to the mission of the center and to the children and families we serve.  The teamwork that occurs with this group amazes me. You know, the work is very tough and the support shown for each other keeps us all going.”

She said CAC’s board members and volunteers are crucial to the success of the center.

“The center’s board members and volunteers giving of their time in not only its day-to- day function, but working into the wee hours on a fundraiser, that kind of thing keeps the center alive,” Gartner said.

She also lauded the work of area law enforcement, sexual assault nurse examiners,

the Bastrop County District Attorney’s Office and Child Protective Services.

“These people are the team and they do not often get the recognition or respect that they deserve,” Gartner said. “They are in the trenches, dealing with the worst of the worst.”

Gartner also thanked such groups as Bikers Against Child Abuse, local Rotary and Lions club members, the Texas Women’s League and local quilting groups for financial support.

“The Family Crisis Center and CASA are also so important to the Bastrop community and it has been a pleasure to work with these dedicated professionals,” Gartner added.

A solid track record

Gartner said she is proud of what the Children’s Advocacy Center staff has accomplished during the past decade, even as the number of children served has more than tripled.

The center also established a SANE program – sexual assault nurse examination program – that provides sexual assault exams of children.  The exams are conducted through Smithville Regional Hospital or at the center, depending on the time of the assault.  The program was put together under a partnership with the Family Crisis Center.

The center also recently purchased the building behind its main facility on Chestnut Street, creating the Therapy House.”

The Tree of Angels program, a Christmas program designed for the support of victims and survivors of violent crime, is in its 12 year.

“The Tree of Angels is such a special event, one I hold near and dear to my heart and will miss,” Gartner said.

Gartner termed the annual Cowboys and Caviar “the best lil’ fundraiser in town. It will be going on its sixth year this coming March.  This event has grown to be a huge financial success for the center.”

In good hands

Gartner said the center will remain strong.

“The Children’s Advocacy Center has been my baby; I hold it near and dear to my heart,” Gartner said. “Leaving it is a hard thing to do, but change is exciting.”

She said Martha Marshall, a member of the center’s Child Protection Team, will be taking the helm.

“Martha has been on the board of directors, chaired the Cook-off on the Colorado for the last two years and knows the center well and what we do,” Gartner said. “The timing is perfect. Martha, the board and the staff are taking the time to look at where the center is going. I feel totally confident that there will be good to come of this change.”