Laconia lodge announces beneficiary program

LACONIA — Laconia’s Chocorua Odd Fellow’s Lodge No. 51 is supporting the Granite State Children’s Alliance Child Advocacy Center workforce across New Hampshire. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows requires the elected grand master to select a community fund raising project each year. Grand Master Kenneth R. Dassau chose the Granite State Children’s Alliance.

The lodge presented a financial gift to Julie Sullivan, Laconia’s Granite State Children’s Alliance Child Advocacy Center family support specialist, and Lori Grant, the center's program coordinator of the Granite State Children’s Alliance in support of the Grand Lodge of NH’s Grand Master Program. 

Eleven CACs across the state provide services to 2,000 children. Within the state’s counties, there is a Child Advocacy Center located where there are Odd Fellow lodges in Concord, Claremont, Derry, Dover, Keene, Laconia, Lebanon, Portsmouth, Rochester and Wolfeboro.

Child Advocacy Centers are community partnerships dedicated to pursuing the truth in child abuse cases, as well as providing referrals for social services to child victims. By bringing together New Hampshire’s law enforcement, Department of Children, Youth and Families, county attorneys, victim advocates and health professionals, a child advocacy center provides a safe, child-friendly location for a forensic interview of child victims. The CAC coordinates the investigative team and provides ongoing help for the victim’s healthy recovery. 

The grand master’s fund drive will continue until April 26. Persons wishing to donate may send a check made out to the Grand Lodge of NH and write “GSCA Alicia Fund” in the memo section. For additional information about the IOOF Grand Master’s Project contact the Grand Lodge of NH at 603-224 -0121 or nhoddfellows@gmail.com.

For more information about the alliance, call 603-822-0948 or email moliviero@cac-nh.org.