Andrea’s Arbor opens in Russellville

For almost a month now, Andrea’s Arbor has been open in downtown Russellville.

Andrea’s Arbor is a satellite branch of Cramer’s Children Center in Florence. The nonprofit children’s advocacy center serves children under the age of 19 who “may have experienced abuse or witnessed a crime or other violent act,” according to the website. The center provides many services including forensic interview, medical, mental health and family and victim advocate services.

The Franklin County branch is named after Andrea Gonzalez, who went missing in 1993 at 5 years old. In 1995 her father Paul pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and her stepmother pleaded guilty to child abuse. Her body has never been found.

“I actually worked with Andrea a few weeks before she went missing,” Cramer’s Children Center executive director Kim Bevis said.

In the amount of time the Arbor has been open, Bevis said that they have served 31 children from Franklin County.

“That shows us the need is there,” she said. “If it keeps going like this, we could end up serving 200-300 children a year.”

At the Florence location, Bevis said 370 children were served last year alone.

There is also an office location in Double Springs, and Bevis said she is hopeful there will be a Lawrence County location coming soon.

The opening of Andrea’s Arbor was facilitated by grant funding. Bevis said local organizations have also made contributions in different ways, like the Cultura Garden Club and the Book Lover’s Study Club.