The Healing Circle

Clatsop County has one of the highest child sexual abuse rates in the state. The abusive cycle is often generational, and many survivors feel too much shame to come forward for help and support.

The Healing Circle – Victory Over Child Abuse (VOCA) has been breaking that cycle since 1988. Below is a story of why:

My name is Jeannie and this will be my 22nd year with The Healing Circle.

My life didn’t start out real great; both my biological parents were unable to be the parents that I needed. I went into the foster care system at the age of one, believing I was lucky to be placed with a  family that adopted me.

Things were going ok until my adopted dad began sexually abusing me. As you can imagine, this caused a great deal of hardship in my family. My mom fell into depression and acquired other health issues. I was left to become the adult. I was 9 years old. I took care of my mom more than I was taking care of myself. I was really struggling, feeling I had ‘ruined’ our family.  I had suicidal thoughts and felt so alone.

Then I was referred to VOCA camp. Victory Over Child Abuse. From the moment I got on the bus I felt like a rock star: this group of adults welcomed me and loved me and let me be the kid that I needed to be. They  made me feel safe.

I went back year after year. These adults became my family. As I grew up I transition into an adult volunteer and eventually asked to join the governing board, which I accepted.

I graduated Job Corp, then college, and have became a mom myself. I know wouldn’t be the person I am today without the love and support I felt from VOCA.  I feel empowered and safe and free to be me and have come to love myself through this program.

United Way is proud to partner with The Healing Circle – Victory Over Child Abuse, where children are taught that they have intrinsic value, no matter what.

2020 Impact Report

UWCC held its Annual Celebration, and it was indeed a celebration this year! 

Despite a worldwide pandemic, despite technological disparities among marginalized populations, despite racial, socio-economic and gender inequity, UWCC Partner Agencies improved lives in Clatsop County in 2020. 

  • 18 families received emotional education and support to guide them through grief, loss, abuse and transition. 

  • 90 children were taken from neglectful or abusive situations and placed in more stable, supportive homes with advocates who fought for their best interest. 
  • 86 survivors of domestic violence were given resources to keep themselves safe and sheltered through their transition to a secure living situation. 
  • 355 individuals were welcomed off the streets, fed and educated on how to live healthy, independent lives.
  • 450 school-aged children created communities in which they could explore, learn and play.
  • 130 adults returned to school with support that allowed them to graduate, become independent and financially secure in their jobs.
  • 2,800 rural students were given access to educational materials to foster a love of learning at home.
  • 156 struggling readers were matched with mentors who inspired learning through the love of literature.
  • 8,100 meals for struggling senior citizens.
  • 31 child survivors of sexual abuse were brought into a safe, understanding community whose mission is for them to understand their innate value as human beings. 

This is what LIVING UNITED looks like. Community coming together for the benefit of individuals, which of course, benefits us all.