Dairyland has donated $10,000 to Tyler’s Justice Center for Children (TJCC), a non-profit dedicated to reducing trauma for child victims of sexual and physical abuse. They do this by providing a coordinated, multi-disciplinary response to the investigation, prosecution and treatment of abuse cases for children and their families. As a Children’s Advocacy Center, TJCC provides free services to children up to 18 years of age.

Headquartered in Stockton, Ill., and serving Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties, TJCC brings together professionals including legal, medical and child protective and social services – to ensure every child’s best interest are prioritized. They also work closely with law enforcement, the Department of Children and Families, the State’s Attorney and other advocates.

“As a cooperative committed to improving lives in the communities we serve, we are proud to support Tyler’s Justice Center for Children in their efforts to ensure that the voices of vulnerable children are heard and their needs are met with care and dignity,” said President and CEO Brent Ridge.

This donation includes a $5,000 match from CoBank, a national cooperative bank, through CoBank’s Sharing Success Program. The total donation will be used to help fund the Program Coordinator/Family Advocate Program and offset related expenses for families, such as transportation.

“Supporting our communities is not just a responsibility—it’s a fundamental principle of the cooperative business model,” said JCE Co-op President and CEO Mike Casper. “Initiatives like Dairyland’s Cooperative Contributions Program help us expand our positive impact in local communities by providing funds that benefit the people we serve."

Through the Cooperative Contributions Program, Dairyland and its member cooperatives continuously strive to make a positive impact in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and community development in Dairyland’s four-state service territory.