The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and Lauren’s Kids Foundation are partnering again for the 11th Annual Walk In My Shoes event on April 24 in Niceville, bringing a portion of a statewide 1,500-mile trek to the local community.
- The walk, which recognizes April as National Child Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, will begin at 9 a.m. at ECCAC’s Niceville Center, 401 McEwen Drive. Registration opens at 8 a.m.
Participants can choose a 5-mile route from ECCAC’s Niceville Center to JoJo’s Coffee and Goodness, 4652 Highway 20, or a full 10-mile walk that begins and ends at the center. An Uber code will be provided for transport back to the start if needed.
Lauren Book, who founded Lauren’s Kids Foundation in 2007, is an internationally respected child advocate, former teacher, best-selling author and former Florida state senator. She is also one of 42 million survivors of child sexual abuse in the U.S.
- “April is a powerful reminder that prevention starts with each of us — in our homes, our schools, and our communities,” Book said. “Every step we take during Walk in My Shoes is about protecting children, raising awareness, and making sure survivors know they are not alone. I’m so grateful to partner with the Emerald Coast Child Advocacy Center and the Niceville community to keep this mission moving forward — because every mile matters.”
ECCAC CEO Julie Porterfield said the organization is honored to have Book walk in Niceville again this year.
“We are honored to have Lauren Book walk with us again here in Niceville for the walk this month. Her Lauren’s Kids organization is so aligned with ECCAC’s mission at our two Centers in Okaloosa and Walton Counties,” Porterfield said.
Those interested can register in advance at www.LaurensKidsWalk.org or on the morning of the event at ECCAC’s Niceville location.
For more information, visit www.eccac.org or call 850-400-3488.
If abuse is suspected, it can be reported by calling the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
