About

The Stephen E. Booker Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization responsible for maintaining and managing funding for Booker’s Place, A Child Advocacy Center (BPCAC). Founded by Robin Booker in honor of her late husband, former Assistant District Attorney Stephen Booker, the Foundation aims to continue Stephen's dedication to protecting the rights of abused and neglected children. After Stephen’s passing in 2015, Robin, along with Stephen’s co-workers, courthouse staff, and community members, diligently worked towards establishing a child advocacy center. Currently, the Board consists of 14 members from the community.

 

Dr. Lindsey King, a local pediatrician, and members of the Jackson County Multidisciplinary Team collaborated with the administration at Jackson County Memorial Hospital to secure a location for the center. They obtained a former dentist's office, used as a storage building on the hospital grounds. Following asbestos abatement, a complete remodel funded through fundraising, donations, and assistance from local civic groups such as Southwest Rural Electric, Kiwanis Club, and Rotary Club of Altus, the facility was ready by April 2019.

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Since 2021, the SEBF Board has held an annual fundraiser called Bingo, Bags & Badges, where local individuals sponsor tables and prizes to raise money for BPCAC. In 2024, the event raised over $91,000 and was attended by over 540 people.

 

In April 2022, the BPCAC hired its first employee, thanks to the Jackson County Commissioners' pledge of monies from the American Rescue Plan Act. Melony Nettleton serves as the Executive Director and as the MDT Coordinator for Greer, Jackson, Kiowa, and Tillman counties.
In November 2022, the Foundation purchased a 4,000 square-foot building, which was completely remodeled to better serve as an advocacy center. BPCAC moved to this location in February 2024. A portion of the building is utilized as an office for mental health service providers who serve children at BPCAC. Leslie Worst began as BPCAC’s first advocate in January 2024.

 

BPCAC provides an array of child sexual and severe physical abuse intervention services to child abuse victims and their families to minimize the long-term effects of abuse. These services include Family and Victim Advocate Services, Forensic Interview Services, Mental Health Services, Medical Services, and coordination of investigations by our Multidisciplinary Team. Over the last four years, BPCAC has served over 800 children.