July Newsletter
July 8, 2024

Douglas C.A.R.E.S

Douglas CARES staff wore jeans on Denim Day to stand for victims of Sexual Assault. Victims can be any age and any gender. It's important to remember that victims are generally chosen because of their vulnerability or their lack of visibility.

30 Years of Advocacy 

5 pm—7 pm 

Friday, June 7 

545 W. Umpqua St. Roseburg 


We are delighted to invite you to join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of our Child Advocacy Center.


This milestone event is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters in advocating for the rights and well-being of children.


The anniversary celebration will take place at Douglas CARES, located at 545 W. Umpqua St., Roseburg, OR 97471, on June 7th from 5 pm-7 pm. It will be an evening filled with reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future. We will have light refreshments, tours, and an opportunity to connect with fellow advocates and community members.


We will be unveiling our updated Mission Statement and our improved website.


Your presence at this event would mean a lot to us as we honor the progress we have made over the past three decades and look forward to the continued impact we can make together.


Please RSVP to confirm your attendance by clicking the link provided below. We kindly request that you let us know of any dietary restrictions or accessibility needs you may have so that we can accommodate them accordingly.


Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our cause. We hope to see you at the celebration!


RSVP HERE

From the desk of the Executive Director


Welcome to our first edition of the Douglas CARES Newsletter. You will find important updates about our program as well as child well-being trends in our community.


Many people are surprised to learn about the high rates of child abuse in Douglas County. Along with the tireless caseworkers at Child Welfare and our officers in blue, Douglas CARES is on the front line, responding to child abuse and neglect. Even with all our efforts, we know that we are only handling a portion of the cases in Douglas County.


We also make great efforts to prevent future incidents of child abuse when we have the opportunity to be a part of a family’s life. Every family’s journey is unique, and the causes of abuse and neglect are as varied as the people we see come through our doors. However, we do see some very clear trends in the factors that lead to child maltreatment. One factor is the high number of parents who struggle with substance use disorders, which often result in difficulty providing a safe and nurturing home for their children.


We can all do more to educate ourselves, watch for signs of abuse, and report it, so that these families can be supported in caring for their children. Won’t you join the fight? Help us ensure Douglas County becomes a safe place for all children to grow and thrive.


Sarah Wickersham, MS

Executive Director

Douglas C.A.R.E.S

Houston, our newest staff addition, takes a well-deserved rest.

New Therapy ‘Comfort’ Dog Helps Abused Children Deal With Aftermath


Hi everybody! Meet Houston, a member of our team. Houston is a 2-year-old black lab who will be a constant presence throughout our facility.


Being with a therapy dog can help calm a child and reduce the child’s level of anxiety. These dogs are not only calming for the children but for the entire family. Houston has been extensively trained in responding to and assisting with trauma-induced behaviors and emotions.


Along with our fantastic staff members, Houston plays an integral part in helping families cope with trauma by providing a calming and comforting presence. Research shows that dogs help heart rate and breathing slow down and muscles relax.


Houston will accompany our clients as they participate in forensic interviews, forensic medical examinations, crisis intervention, and court hearings/trials. As you can see, Houston is a busy boy, and we are very excited to have him on our team!

Board Members


Anita Cox, Pres.

Ron Breyne, V.P.

David McGinnis, Treas.

Jessica L. Lloyd-Rogers

Juliana Marez

Josie Sustaire

Robin Vogel

Rick Wesenberg

What is Karly’s Law?


Karly’s Law is named after a 3-year-old Corvallis girl who died from abuse after allegations went unchecked. The law mandates that children in Oregon who exhibit suspicious physical injuries in the course of a child abuse investigation must receive medical attention within 48 hours. Since 2008, Karly’s Law has helped thousands of Oregon children receive medical care and support related to suspected abuse.


Karly’s Law imposes specific requirements on law enforcement, Department of Human Services (DHS) employees, and designated medical providers who have received specialized training to assess injuries that may have been caused by child abuse.

Notes on Statistics

  • We only have stats from 2016
  • Douglas Cares only sees a portion of the total cases in Douglas County

Douglas CARES: Moving to Our New Building and Seeking Community Support

October 15, 2024
At Douglas CARES, we're excited to announce that we’ll soon be moving to a brand-new building designed just for us, thanks to the generosity of local developer Guy Kennerly. His commitment to helping our cause has been truly remarkable, and we're eager to begin this new chapter. Starting in early December, you can find us at our new address: 1939 NE Diamond Lake Blvd, Roseburg. This move marks a significant milestone for Douglas CARES as we continue our mission to protect children and uplift families. The new space will provide the dedicated environment needed to support our work in child advocacy, but we need your help to make it feel like home. Why This Move Matters The work we do at Douglas CARES is crucial for the safety and well-being of children in our community. As part of the Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) network, we coordinate investigations and treatment for child abuse cases using a multidisciplinary team approach. This system ensures children only have to tell their story once in a safe environment, reducing trauma and facilitating quicker access to services. The new building will allow us to continue offering these essential services more efficiently and with greater capacity. With dedicated spaces for forensic interviews, therapy, and medical exams, the move will enhance our ability to support child victims and their families during difficult times. Seeking Sponsorships: Your Support Can Make a Difference Moving into a new space comes with many challenges, especially when it comes to outfitting the building with the necessary furniture and equipment to continue our services seamlessly. We are currently seeking sponsorships for furniture and moving costs. Every dollar raised will go directly toward creating a welcoming, child-friendly space where we can continue to provide trauma-informed care to those who need it most. Your support will ensure that Douglas CARES can continue to be a place where children feel safe, families find hope, and offenders are held accountable. Whether you’re a business or an individual, your contribution will have a lasting impact on the community. How You Can Help If you’d like to contribute to our move or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit our donation page. We are counting on the generosity of the community to help us create a space that reflects the importance of our mission and provides the best possible environment for children and families in crisis. Together, we can make a difference. Contact our business today to learn more about how you can get involved in supporting our new home and the essential services we provide.

Celebrating 30 Years of Compassion and Commitment: Douglas CARES Anniversary Event

June 5, 2024
This year, Douglas CARES is celebrating its 30th anniversary! In 1994, we opened our doors with just a handful of employees working out of a few rooms in a little house. Today, we've grown to 25 employees, occupying a 9,000-square-foot building with state-of-the-art interview and recording equipment, a fully functional clinic with a full-time doctor, and a robust mental health department. Who We Are Douglas CARES strives to eradicate child abuse and neglect in Douglas County through effective, compassionate response and prevention, thereby protecting children and uplifting families. Our mission has remained steadfast over the years, focusing on providing support and hope to those who need it most. What We Do We're there to respond to child abuse and neglect in all forms. For our partners in Law Enforcement and Child Welfare, we provide Forensic Interviews and Forensic Medical Exams. We stand by the family throughout the complex and emotional process of a child abuse investigation, offering comprehensive mental health services to aid in their healing journey. Join Us in Celebration The anniversary celebration will take place at Douglas CARES, located at 545 W. Umpqua St. Roseburg, OR 97471, on June 7th from 5pm-7pm. It will be an evening filled with reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future. We will have light refreshments, tours, and an opportunity to connect with fellow advocates and community members. We will be unveiling our updated Mission Statement and our improved website. Your presence at this event would mean a lot to us as we honor the progress we have made over the past three decades and look forward to the continued impact we can make together. Please RSVP to confirm your attendance by clicking here. We kindly request that you let us know of any dietary restrictions or accessibility needs you may have so that we can accommodate them accordingly. Join us in celebrating 30 years of compassion, commitment, and community. Together, we can continue to protect children and uplift families for many more years to come. Attend an Event/Webinar Let's come together to commemorate this milestone and inspire a future where every child is safe and supported. We look forward to seeing you there!
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