BestSelf Behavioral Health, Park Edge Sweet Shoppe partner to support Child Advocacy Center

Proceeds from holiday-inspired treat will support critical services provided to children & families

Community-based behavioral health organization BestSelf Behavioral Health has partnered with Park Edge Sweet Shoppe for its third annual “Warm Hearts” promotion to benefit the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf (CAC).

This holiday season, Park Edge will feature hot chocolate candy bars, milk chocolate with toffee and marshmallows, or milk chocolate with peppermint, for $4.49, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the CAC.

“We are excited to once again partner with Park Edge to bring a unique chocolate treat to Western New York. Over the last two years, “Warm Hearts raised over $9,000 for the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf and helped to create awareness of the essential services provided by the CAC team,” said Elizabeth Woike-Ganga LCSW-R, president, and CEO of BestSelf Behavioral Health. “Funds raised by this holiday promotion will support the much-needed expansion of services at the CAC, as currently we are only able to see less than 1/3 of the children who need our help.”

A press release said, “CAC is an innovative, comprehensive center offering safety, support, and healing for children and families affected by sexual abuse, violence and trauma in Erie County. When children are not taken to the CAC, they are questioned in multiple locations, retraumatizing them when they have to repeat their experiences. With this expansion, children in need will only have to tell their story once, under one roof, because of CAC partners.

“The CAC will be co-located with Erie County’s multi-disciplinary team (MDT), which has representation from law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, medical professionals, mental health, victim advocacy, and provides comprehensive services in a child-friendly setting.

“Erie County has some of the highest rates for reported child abuse in New York state – more than 5,000 reported cases annually.”

The hot chocolate candy bars are available for preorder at Park Edge Sweet Shoppe, 325 Abbott Road, Buffalo. Preorder by calling 716-824-0228, or visit https://www.parkedgesweetshoppe.com/. One dollar of each sale will be donated directly to the CAC.