In 2025, the 54 children’s advocacy centers across North Carolina served 11,844 children. TEDI BEAR and ECU Health’s Children’s Advocacy Center in Mount Olive serve approximately 1,000 children per year. The centers served about 930 children in 2025.
Research shows that one in 10 children are sexually abused by the age of 18 years old. Approximately 86% of that abuse goes unreported, and younger children aged one through six are likely to have more difficulties disclosing abuse compared to older children. A small amount of those disclosures, about 16%, are made directly to authorities, with most disclosures made to peers.
Parsons worked well with the various people who made their way through TEDI BEAR, be they parents, law enforcement officers or social workers. In their time together, Parsons provided medical examinations and Shouse administered behavioral health assessments. Their bond, forged by their proximity and strengthened through shared experience, was one based in mutual respect.
“What I appreciated most about Ann was that I could ask her any question,” Shouse said. “Nothing was ever ridiculous or stupid. I am not a medical provider — I am a therapist. We do not necessarily use the same medical terms. She never made me feel like I was inferior or bad at my job when I had to clarify things. I was always comfortable.”
Shouse said that many patients keep the stuffed bear from their first visit, even after aging out of pediatric therapy when they turn 18. That is something she hopes reflects how the clinic, and Parsons, helped patients.
“I think she would appreciate the room and how it gives these kids some measure of comfort. It is the last step in making sure they are alright,” Shouse said. “That’s what Ann was all about.”
For more information about how you can support TEDI BEAR, please contact the ECU Health Foundation at 252-847-5626 or click here and complete the form.