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The Covington County Child Advocacy Center celebrated its tenth anniversary with a special event that included the announcement of a new program to better serve children overcoming abuse.

The event was held on the lawn of the center’s office, which the staff moved into about one year ago, at the corner of Sixth Avenue and College Street.

District Attorney Walt Merrell spoke at the event and revealed a new equine therapy program being established through a partnership with the Covington County Sheriff’s Posse.

“We have been working with the sheriff’s office and the posse to offer equine therapy as part of our mission,” Merrell said. “Not every child responds to traditional counseling so we often look for other methods that will promote healing. Equine therapy has proven to be beneficial in other areas.”

Involving equine therapy in the CAC program was inspired by Mark Odom, who had lost a grandson due to personal issues.

“We spoke to (Merrell) and the CAC about the equine program and then we got in touch with the sheriff’s office and those involved with the posse. Everybody thought it was a good idea and began working to put it all together,” Odom said.

Sheriff Blake Turman said he hopes the program will help those kids who do not respond to other forms of therapy.

“Anything we can do to help these kids open up and be able to speak to an adult and provide some peace during their time of struggle, we need to do it,” Turman said.

Also playing a key role in developing the program was Mark Kaiser, captain of the sheriff’s posse.

“Being around a horse can be relaxing and fun, but also might give some children a sense of security,” Kaiser said.

In recognition of the CAC’s tenth anniversary, Merrell said the center has continued to grow to meet the needs of children.

“When we opened the doors to the child advocacy center we made a plan and a promise. That promise was that no child in Covington County would have to endure abuse alone,” he said.

Over it’s 10-year history, the CAC has conducted over 4,200 counseling sessions. It has added a second forensic interviewer to the staff and, since 2022, has conducted 65 medical examinations.

“Each one of those numbers represents a life, a future, a child who deserved to be heard, and found hope because of this center,” Merrell said.

Also included in the program was a group of students from Guardian Angel Christian Daycare who performed two songs.