The Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County last week provided backpacks full of school supplies to 40 abused children, thanks to the National Children’s Alliance and the Verizon Foundation, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County unites public, private, and community partners to serve the victims of child abuse and promote safety and justice for them and their families. Last week, it was one of 145 similar centers nationwide to receive a total of $100,000 in Target gift cards from the two national partners dedicated to preventing family violence.

“Youth transitioning to foster care must cope not only with their victimization, but also with multiple challenges including new living situations, disrupted relationships, and adjustment to a new school,” said Susan Goldfarb, executive director of the CAC. “We are pleased to be able to support children during this difficult time and to help provide the necessary tools for a successful experience in school.”

“This was a generous gift that will help us help the kids who need it most,” said Conley, who is an ex-officio member of the CAC board of trustees. “A young survivor of abuse, neglect, or family violence has enough to worry about without also worrying about where his or her pencils, notebooks, and calculators are coming from. We’re grateful to the National Children’s Alliance and the Verizon Foundation for this timely reminder that our first priority has to be the safety and protection of at-risk children.”

Founded in 1995, the CAC is a bridge between the private and public sectors and ensures the most effective service delivery to children and families. The CAC coordinates a multidisciplinary team of police, prosecutors, social workers, advocates, medical and mental health professionals and others to provide an array of high-quality, specialized services for abused children and their families – all in one child-friendly center located in Allston-Brighton.

The National Children’s Alliance is a national association dedicated to helping local communities respond to allegations of child abuse. As the accrediting body for more than 700 children’s advocacy centers around the country, NCA provides training, financial support, technical assistance, leadership, national advocacy and access to current research findings on a national level.

The Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. It supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded $67.9 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees for a total of $26.1 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.

“Children’s Advocacy Centers around the country provide a tremendous service to children and families in times of need,” said Henry Shiembob, Verizon’s executive director of cyber security. “Verizon is proud to partner with the National Children’s Alliance and its members to support efforts that assist and comfort victims of child abuse.”