Our Story Through The Years

We are proud to announce that the Tuscarawas County Child Advocacy Center is now known as Noah’s Hope Child Advocacy Center.    How this came to be is a story of two organizations fully aligning.  It is a story of tragedy, honor and HOPE.

In May, 2006, two-year-old Noah Shoup died from injuries he received in the care of his babysitter, who was later convicted of murder.   In the wake of his tragic death, Noah’s parents, family and friends committed their passion and energy to raising awareness and funds to fight against child abuse.  Their efforts became known as Noah’s Hope, and their hard work, commitment and determination have resulted in raising over $130,000 in 11 years for victims of child abuse.

In 2010, a group of local professionals undertook efforts to create a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in our County.  A CAC is a child-focused facility-based program that coordinates a multi-disciplinary response to child abuse cases. CAC ‘s provide a safe and friendly space for children who are thought to be victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or who witnessed a crime to be interviewed by a forensic interviewer. Members of the investigative team watch the interview live through a monitor. Support, treatment, intervention, prevention, and prosecution services are provided to the victims that are served and their families.

By 2011, The Tuscarawas County CAC, a non-profit corporation was fully formed, outfitted, and in operation. This would not have been possible without the time, talents, and donations of several professionals, agencies, foundations, and businesses.

In 2013, the paths of Noah’s Hope and the CAC converged, as the two organizations naturally supported each other’s mission and activities.   Noah’s Hope has been instrumental in financially supporting the CAC in its infancy.  In fact, in 2014, it was Noah’s Hope, that purchased the necessary and expensive medical equipment that allowed the CAC to partner with Akron Children’s Hospital to provide the first-of-its-kind, and cutting-edge use of telehealth medical examinations to child sexual assault victims at Akron Children’s local New Philadelphia office.  In addition to their financial support, Noah’s parents, Doug and Kristen, and older brother Evan, have been active volunteers with the CAC, and his parents have served on both the CAC’s governing board and advisory board.

In 2016, the CAC achieved National Accreditation by the National Children’s Alliance and reaccreditation in 2021. Being accredited ensures that all children served by a CAC receive consistent, evidenced-based services that will help them heal from abuse.

2018 brought a time of change. The CAC went through a rebranding and as part of that  and in honor of Noah and all that his family has done to support and grow the CAC, our name was changed to  Noah’s Hope Child Advocacy Center.   Our new logo is a stand out in community, a big heart adorned with a Band-Aid.

Unfortunately, the number of children we serve continues to increase. So much so, we outgrew our original location. In 2019, after lots and lots of renovations, we moved into our current center that we call home. As with our start up in 2010, this would not have been possible without the support of community donations, local businesses, foundations, and grants.

Since opening our doors in 2011, we have served over 1,100 children and their families. We continue to be appreciative, grateful, and humbled by the community support. If it was not for Noah’s Hope and the community, Noah’s Hope Child Advocacy Center would not be what it is today.