You hear and read much conversation about mental health in this community and beyond to include innocent victims.
Debbie Jenkins just doesn’t talk the talk.
Jenkins has devoted her life and career to making a difference for those with mental and behavioral health struggles.
“So many in our profession commit themselves to extraordinary efforts while working with vulnerable children, families and their communities,” says Jenkins, 69, who was honored on March 25 with the ICAN Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Behavioral Health Awards Gala at the Carolina Barn in Spring Lake. “To be recognized for my own contributions seems overwhelming. I never expected such an honor.”
It was an evening of awards presentations for others, too, in the behavioral health profession, and an evening not lost on Jenkins for the respect and admiration she holds for those dedicating their lives and careers in behavioral health fields.
“As I mentioned at the gala, many of the folks in the room were partners, collaborators, interns I’d worked with, and friends all along in my career and volunteer journey,” Jenkins says. “It was very reinforcing to be with them celebrating the hard work and commitments made by those in the behavioral health community on behalf of those who benefit from their efforts. So many in our profession commit themselves to extraordinary efforts while working with vulnerable children, families and their communities.”
A 1972 graduate of Terry Sanford High School, Jenkins earned her undergraduate degree in 1976 from N.C. State University and a master’s degree in social work in 1977 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work. She also is recognized as a diplomat of the National Association of Social Workers, the highest level of recognition bestowed by the NASW.
Humble, she was, in accepting the award.
Humble, Debbie Jenkins always has been, in her compassion for others.
“I acknowledge that my various efforts over the years contributed to and seemed supportive of many people and organizations who turned that assistance around to benefit many others,” she says. “Again, in humbling terms, what a fantastic sense of reinforcement for those relationships built across the years.”
She would not bask in a lifetime achievement for herself, instead encouraging others who have and will follow in her path.
“You will make a difference in the world,” she would say, “and keep up the good work, because you will save the world.”
The husband by her side
Debbie Jenkins also would share the honor with husband, Robin Jenkins, a child psychologist, who along with his wife was among the founders in 1992 of the Child Advocacy Center.
“Robin and I have been very committed to our community over the years,” she says. “A night like that just feels amazing and brought me tremendous joy.”
As has the Child Advocacy Center that has been there for 30 years for abused, neglected and innocent children and teenagers.
“There is so much about the Child Advocacy Center that we are extremely proud of,” says Robin Jenkins, 65. “Seeing the organization come from dreams that first emerged within a ‘small group of friends’ around courthouse lunch tables involving informal outreach at first at the Mental Health Center, district attorney’s office and public defender’s offices, the chief district judge, law enforcement, military partners, Social Services, Area Health Education Center, the Cape Fear Valley medical community, the county of Cumberland and city of Fayetteville leadership, Cumberland County Schools, the health department and various other champions.
“It’s just wonderful to see the mature and impactful nonprofit organization it is today. That small group of friends ended up building the foundation and capabilities for what the CAC is today. We’ve had a hand, along with dozens of partners throughout our careers, to help stand up several human services nonprofit agencies here in Cumberland County. The CAC exemplifies what happens when passionate, dedicated, effective, committed leaders and advocates with a very important shared vision do the critically important work of protecting, nurturing, and healing children, youth and families.
“All children deserve safe, healthy childhoods,” says Robin Jenkins, a 1975 graduate of Terry Sanford High School with an undergraduate degree from N.C. State University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology in 1984 from East Carolina University, and a doctorate in 1998 from N.C. State University in community psychology and human resource development.
“Families need resources to deal with the adversity and trauma co-occurring with child sexual abuse and other forms of serious maltreatment. Seeing the CAC in that building, with such an effective, impactful, dedicated board of directors, staff and support from so many volunteers and organizations, is so heartwarming and satisfying.”
Always there for every abused child
While the ICAN Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award was not lost on Debbie Jenkins in recognizing others on March 25, the work of Debbie Jenkins and Robin Jenkins is not lost on Roberta Humphries, the retiring executive director of the Child Advocacy Center on Rowan Street.
“Robin and Debbie have been staunch supporters of the CAC, both in their volunteerism and their financial support for many years,” Humphries says. “Their dedication to improve services for children in our community has made a lasting impact on so many young lives.”
Nor is the work of Debbie and Robin Jenkins lost on Beth Keever, the retired Cumberland County chief judge of district court.
“In 1993, a group of professionals began meeting to discuss how to improve the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases,” Keever says. “The concern was the number of times a child was interviewed and the resultant re-traumatization of children. Debbie and Robin Jenkins were a part of that group. As a result of those discussions and actions, the Child Advocacy Center was created.
“Debbie has been involved in the center since the beginning. As chair of the Professional Advisory Council at the center, which is composed of supervisors from all the participating agencies, she has helped develop protocols for how child abuse cases should be managed. At least every five years, she has led a review of the protocol to ensure that it is current and meets national standards. As a result of that work, the CAC continues to be nationally accredited.
“Additionally, Debbie serves as the liaison for mental health resources for children and families and regularly teaches in the area of child abuse prevention to agencies and community organizations,” Keever says. “Through her work, children and families in Cumberland County are better able to meet the challenges of child abuse.”
Epilogue
When it comes to the CAC, you’ll find Robin and Debbie Jenkins advocating side by side. An abused child never has had better friends than Robin and Debbie Jenkins. A neglected child never has had better friends than Robin and Debbie Jenkins.
“Knowing how effective, strong community child maltreatment prevention efforts are in these areas also gives me hope that we are making substantial progress,” Robin Jenkins says. “Unfortunately, each year the statistics remind us of why the CAC is so necessary and reminds us that the work is never done. The CAC offers hope and healing in a truly safe environment.”
Thirty years after the CAC began, Debbie Jenkins remains on the board of directors. Robin Jenkins continues to volunteer at the CAC in various capacities. And the couple is grateful to those in this community who have been there for the CAC for the three decades since it was founded.
ICAN is an acronym for “I Can Achieve Now,” according to Family Services of America, circa 2010, founded by Kelsey and Shannon Battle and located at 5302 Yadkin Road.
Debbie Jenkins has been achieving for a lifetime.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.