When a child experiences abuse, the path to healing begins with someone who listens, believes, cares and acts. For more than a decade, Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, a United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) partner agency, has been a safe space for children in Chilton County and beyond.
Executive Director and Child Forensic Interview Specialist Jana Zuelzke, describes this work as both a calling and a community commitment. Jana’s passion for child advocacy began while interning at a child advocacy center in Montgomery, where she saw the impact of coordinated, trauma-informed care.
“It was the perfect mix of what I loved about psychology and criminal justice,” she said. “You see the hardest parts of people’s stories, but you also see how much better a child can feel once they’ve received help and justice is served. That transformation is something I couldn’t walk away from.”
Community-Based Advocacy Where It’s Needed Most
After several years in victim services, Jana noticed a growing need closer to home. Children from her hometown of Clanton were traveling to Montgomery for forensic interviews but were then often unable to return for ongoing therapy and other services. Determined to change that, she and a small group of local advocates founded Butterfly Bridge in 2012. What began as a small community effort has grown into a nationally accredited organization that serves not only Chilton County but Autauga and Elmore, as well.
“We wanted kids to have everything they needed right here in their community,” Jana said. “Now they do.”
Butterfly Bridge receives an average of 10 new cases of sexual or physical abuse in Chilton County each month. While every day is different, the goal is always the same: help children find their voice and begin to heal. That healing happens through collaboration with law enforcement, DHR, the district attorney’s office and local schools to guide each case from report to resolution.
Two Sisters, One Example
Several years ago, two young sisters came to Butterfly Bridge after suffering sexual abuse by their stepfather. The younger sister witnessed the abuse and found the courage to speak up.
After law enforcement and DHR completed their investigations and forensic interviews, both girls entered foster care and began trauma-focused therapy at Butterfly Bridge..
As their case moved through the justice system, Jana testified as an expert witness to help the jury understand why children may delay disclosure or struggle to share their story. Later, the sisters testified themselves, supported by Butterfly Bridge staff and the district attorney’s office. The offender was found guilty, and the girls were adopted by their foster parents, finally finding the safety and stability they deserved.
“It was a long process, but those girls are doing really well now,” Jana said. “They completed therapy, but they know they can always come back if they need to. That support doesn’t end when the case does.”
Healing Takes a Whole Community
Through its family advocacy and multidisciplinary coordination programs, Butterfly Bridge ensures every family has a consistent point of contact throughout the criminal justice process.
“Our family advocate stays with each family through every step,” Jana said. “United Way’s support makes that possible, and that consistency is what helps families feel supported through such a difficult time.”
But healing also takes community awareness. Jana said one of the best ways to help is to stay alert and informed. “People can help just by being the eyes and ears for children,” she said. “Learn the signs, say something if something seems wrong and always report to law enforcement or DHR. Every person can make a difference.”
Community members can also join Butterfly Bridge for a staff-led facility tour, held on the third Thursday of each month, to see firsthand how the organization supports children and families across Chilton County. They can contact Brittani at [email protected] to reserve a spot.
For Jana and her team, every day brings both challenges and hope. “These children are heroes,” she said. “They teach us something new every single day.”