Western Slope Center for Children

Western Slope Center for Children The Western Slope Center for Children (aka "Center for Children") provides collaborative servi...

The Western Slope Center for Children (aka "Center for Children") provides collaborative services to child abuse victims and their families. Each year, the Center for Children serves 300+ children in cases involving child abuse allegations, ranging from sexual abuse to physical abuse & neglect, drug endangerment, witness to domestic violence & homicide, and much more. The Center for Children has a team of professionals across five core areas of service dedicated to providing child victims and their families help, hope, and healing. Working alongside strong community partnerships, the Center for Children seeks to ensure that children whose voices are silenced by their abuser will once again have them restored.

Last week, our Executive Director, Scott Barks, attended the Colorado Children's Alliance annual Executive Director Summ...
10/17/2025

Last week, our Executive Director, Scott Barks, attended the Colorado Children's Alliance annual Executive Director Summit, held in Cañon City this year. The Cañon City CAC Executive Director Lori Jenkins and the city made all the directors feel welcome and it was much appreciated. Thanks to our sister CAC Kindred Kids and the team at CCA for creating a successful and educational retreat!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a crisis that too often stays hidden behind closed...
10/13/2025

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a crisis that too often stays hidden behind closed doors.

When domestic violence happens in a home, children are never just witnesses — they are victims too. Even if they’re not physically harmed, the emotional scars can last a lifetime.

Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and protected. Breaking the silence, supporting survivors, and educating our communities can make that possible. 💪

This month — and every month — let’s stand together to end domestic violence. Speak up. Reach out. Be a voice for those who can’t. 💜

If you or someone you know needs help, contact:
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
💻 thehotline.org

🐾🍩 We’re so excited for Dogs & Donuts! Join us October 25th from 12–2 PM right here at the Center for Children (2350 G R...
10/08/2025

🐾🍩 We’re so excited for Dogs & Donuts! Join us October 25th from 12–2 PM right here at the Center for Children (2350 G Rd) for some furry fun, sweet treats, and community love. We can’t wait to see you (and your pups) there! 💙🐶buy your tickets at #🐾🍩 We’re so excited for Dogs & Donuts! Join us October 25th from 12–2 PM right here at the Center for Children for some furry fun, sweet treats, and community love. Buy tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dogs-and-donuts-tickets-1735265498819?aff=oddtdtcreator We can’t wait to see you (and your pups) there! DogsAndDonuts

⭐️Feature Friday⭐️Today we recognize Tearsa Olson with the Mesa County District Attorney’s Office. Tearsa has been with ...
10/03/2025

⭐️Feature Friday⭐️

Today we recognize Tearsa Olson with the Mesa County District Attorney’s Office. Tearsa has been with the DA’s office for seven years, serving in county and juvenile court, senior trial, and now as a chief. One of Tearsa’s favorite parts about her current role is working closely and collaboratively with law enforcement before a case is filed. Tearsa also enjoys mentoring and supporting newer attorneys as they grow in their trail practice and take on new challenges.

A fun fact about Tearsa is that while she was in college she won two watermelon eating competitions! 🍉🏆

When she is not at work, you can find Tearsa enjoying time with her family and spending time outdoors. In the winter she enjoys skiing, and in the summer she enjoys floating the river and camping! ⛷️🏕️

When asked her thoughts on the Multi-Disciplinary team at the Center this is what Tearsa had to share: “The MDT is incredible. Each member brings unique expertise and perspective, and our ability to coordinate ensures we’re providing the best possible support to victims—through every step of an investigation and, when needed, through trial. The value of a multidisciplinary team cannot be overstated. The sad reality is that children can be the victims of crime. The professionals at the center serve those children and their families with kindness, professionalism, and compassion, creating a sense of safety and calm during one of the most difficult times in their lives. There is no other agency equipped to provide the same level of support to child victims.”

Thank you, Tearsa, for being a part of our MDT and for serving children and victims in Mesa County! 💙

Rachael’s midweek motto: lounge now, wag later.🐾💛Happy Wednesday from our favorite professional snuggler!
10/01/2025

Rachael’s midweek motto: lounge now, wag later.🐾💛

Happy Wednesday from our favorite professional snuggler!

Happy first day of fall!🍂
09/22/2025

Happy first day of fall!🍂

✨ Why Kids’ Mental Health Matters ✨Our kids’ mental health shapes how they learn, grow, and connect with the world. 💙 Th...
09/18/2025

✨ Why Kids’ Mental Health Matters ✨
Our kids’ mental health shapes how they learn, grow, and connect with the world. 💙 The earlier we support them, the brighter their future becomes.

Did you know?
👉 1 in 6 kids (ages 6–17) face a mental health challenge each year.
👉 Half of all mental health conditions start before age 14.
👉 Early support makes a HUGE difference.

Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and understood. Let’s break the stigma and talk about it. 🌈💭

During child welfare worker appreciation week, the Center would like to thank and acknowledge all of the amazing Departm...
09/15/2025

During child welfare worker appreciation week, the Center would like to thank and acknowledge all of the amazing Department of Human Services caseworkers in Mesa County!

This amazing team of individuals works tirelessly around the clock to ensure that children are safe 365 days a year, while also providing families with critical resources and supports.

Today we celebrated our caseworkers by gathering together for a taco lunch! 🌮🌯

Thank you for all those who came, and more importantly for doing the important work that you do! 💙

We are currently low on juice boxes, capri suns, chips, crackers, and fruit snacks! Any help would be greatly appreciate...
09/10/2025

We are currently low on juice boxes, capri suns, chips, crackers, and fruit snacks! Any help would be greatly appreciated. 🫶🏼🧃

We are open Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00!

Meet Abigail! Abigail is the newest face at the Center, and joins us as an intern from Colorado Mesa University. “Hi! I’...
09/03/2025

Meet Abigail!

Abigail is the newest face at the Center, and joins us as an intern from Colorado Mesa University.

“Hi! I’m Abigail. I am a social work student at Colorado Mesa University and currently completing my internship at the Center for Children. I’m a Colorado native with a passion for supporting children and families and advocating for them in the community. In my free time, you can usually find me hiking or camping in the surrounding mountains—or with a good book in hand!”

Please join us in welcoming Abigail!

Address

2350 G Road
Grand Junction, CO
81505

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19702453788

Website

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The Center for Children

The Center for Children (the Center) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization whose purpose is to facilitate and coordinate the work of existing governmental agencies and independent service providers to meet the needs of children who have been sexually abused, severely physically abused, or who are witnesses to violence.

The Center provides a safe, child-friendly environment to facilitate the interviewing of children who are victims of abuse and neglect as well as provides direct, supportive services to victims and families or appropriate referrals to community agencies. In Mesa County, more than 300 children a year are harmed by sexual or physical abuse. These children need the careful attention of professionals trained to address their special needs. With your support, the Center allows service providers and professionals to come to the child instead of the child and family having to go from agency to agency.