Local BACA Members Make Big Impact

Off the Wire
News
The guys and gals with BACA may look like a rowdy crowd at first glance, but these kindhearted men and women are actually on a mission to make a huge impact in the lives of abused children in the area.

"It's not about us. It's not about the accused. It's all about the kids; it's there for support to empower them not to be afraid," said Tree, the found of the River Valley chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse. Each member of the group strives to keep abused children out of harm's way. It all starts with a meeting before the child's abuse case is scheduled to go to court.

The meeting usually takes place at the child's home. And the bikers say their appearance makes quite a first impression.

"When we first meet with a child, about the first 3 minutes they are intimidated," Tree said. "You have 50 to 60 motorcycles ride up in your front yard; you're going to be intimidated. But give us three or four minutes with them and after 10 or 15 they don't want you to leave."

"For these children to see a bunch of the big mean looking bikers and to know that they're on their side and they are there to protect them, it helps the kids gain a little bit of confidence," says Captain Morgan, another BACA biker.

Christy Collins of Greenwood says her daughter was one of those kids that BACA helped. "The gentleman that was her contact at the time got down on his knees in front of this 10 year old child and just opened his arms up and told her who he was and they showered her with gifts and hugs and love. It was just the most wonderful thing, I call them angels in disguise," Collins said.

Each child becomes part of the BACA family, meaning they are never alone during their struggles. "We are prepared to do whatever it takes to keep that child from ever having anything happened to them again," says Oats, vice president of the chapter. "Whatever it takes, whether it be going to court with them, being in the courtroom."

And while it took some work, BACA has been granted access to family courts, solely for the purpose of showing support for the children.

But it's not just all about family visits and court appearances. The BACA members often take part in community events throughout the year and visit their children at school.

"One of my favorite things to do is when we're asked to go to all these schools towards the end of the year to these kids' parties," said Miss B. "They love us, even the teachers want to ride."

Most importantly, BACA members say they are ready to ride any time. "We're there 24-7 if they ever need us in the middle of the night, if they're scared they just give us a call. We're there in 30 minutes," Oats says.

BACA thrives because of its members and donations from the public. If you'd like to help, just visit their website www.bacausa.com.

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