The Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s vision is to create a community where children are safe. The center serves children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse through prevention, education and intervention.
It houses a network of professionals from 14 local partner agencies who help with the investigation, healing process, and other needs. The Memphis CAC is based on a nationally recognized model of care that creates an environment where children experiencing trauma feel comforted, and sometimes the little things can make a big difference — like a welcoming family reception area, a colorful playroom and a new pal.
Every child who comes into the center for services selects the teddy bear of their choice from what’s known as “The Bear Wall” – a wall of 54 cubbyholes, each stuffed with several brand-new teddy bears of all colors and sizes, some wearing bowties, t-shirts or tiny hats.
Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s motto is “Helping Victims Become Children Again,” and a snuggly teddy bear sends victimized children a positive message.
“The Bear Wall is one of many ways we neutralize the sense of shame caused by abuse,” said Beryl Wight, Memphis CAC Communications and Grants Manager, adding that the process of choosing a bear often inspires smiles, laughter, and even occasional dancing. “It’s so wonderful to see a smiling child standing in front of The Bear Wall, deciding which bear she wants to take home…we want kids who have been victimized to know they deserve a brand-new teddy bear.”
Wight said no one is sure exactly how the tradition began, but The Bear Wall been has remained stocked for more than 20 years, thanks to the generosity of Memphians. During that time, Memphis CAC has received tens of thousands of bears donated by individuals and groups from all over Shelby County. That includes church congregations, groups of co-workers, and even families who hold drives to collect bears and other wish-list items.
“We’ve received bears from people who came here for services as children, families memorializing a loved one who has passed away, and corporations during giving campaigns,” Wight said. “I once accepted a donation of bears from an elementary aged child. She asked her classmates to donate bears instead of exchanging gifts during the holidays. I learned later that she had previously received services at the Memphis CAC.”
In addition to bear donations, the center is seeking more adults in the community to get involved in its Stewards of Children program, in which a trained ambassador presents sexual abuse prevention and response training for parents and professionals who work with children to take simple actions that can help protect kids from predators. To date, about 20,000 Shelby County adults have been trained by Stewards of Children.
Memphis CAC is in the process of expanding its campus to include the neighboring historic property at 1101 Poplar Avenue. In addition to staff, the building houses representatives from law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, child protective services and other agencies that together create a strong support system for the children served by Memphis CAC. The expansion will allow them to move even more partner agency members on campus. To strengthen that network and help victims become children again.
If you’d like to donate a teddy bear — brand new and preferably medium sized — for The Bear Wall to comfort a child, please contact Memphis Child Advocacy Center. Because of the confidential nature of services, arrangements must be made ahead of time. Sometimes the wall is fully stocked with fuzzy friends, but the center always has other wish list items, such as packaged snacks and drinks, therapy supplies, and gift cards for department and office supply stores.
