The Mount Nittany Health Foundation is pleased to celebrate Jack and Karen Infield for their generous support for the Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County (CAC). Their cumulative total support of $250,000 fortifies the CAC’s mission of providing a community-based, child-focused center that facilitates a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to preventing, identifying, intervening, and treating child abuse.
Founded in 2014, the CAC has been a vital first step in the difficult journey to healing and hope for area children. Now in its 10th year, the CAC has received nearly 3,000 referrals and completed more than 1,900 medical exams, and 2,300 forensic interviews. The CAC has a highly skilled investigative team including a forensic interviewer who has expertise in pediatric behavioral health and a pediatrician specializing in child abuse medical examination, among others. CAC staff coordinate the legal response, testify in court, and remain dedicated advocates for the child throughout the life of their case.
“We are so grateful to Jack and Karen for their commitment to the CAC,” said Kathleen Rhine, President and CEO, Mount Nittany Health. “The Centre Region is lucky to have such dedicated community members who are willing to go above and beyond in support of the health and safety of our children.”
The Infields are passionate about supporting community organizations serving Centre County. Throughout his career, Jack has served as Chair of the United Way Board as well as Campaign Chair for the United Way, Past President of the Downtown Improvement District, Fundraising Chair for the YMCA, and currently is Chair of the Centre County Industrial Development Authority. He serves on the Boards of the Penn State Renaissance Fund, J B Griffin Foundation (Shaner) and the Centre County Sports Hall of Fame. Karen is active in the community as well, serving on the Boards of the Jared Box Project and the Annual Race Day Soirée event benefiting cancer care and research. Since her retirement, she is active volunteering and working through St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store.
In addition to the Infield’s generous monetary support, Jack currently serves as the Chair of the Children’s Advocacy Center’s Board of Directors. Jack is a Distinguished Alumnus of State College Area High School and is the 2006 recipient of the Joseph and Suzanne Paterno Good Scout Award for community contributions.
The Infields are supportive of Mount Nittany Health’s mission of “Healthier people, stronger community,” believing that it communicates what our local health system does for our communities. They believe they are fortunate to be in a position where they can create opportunities for change for the children and families in the Centre Region. Since the CAC was founded, children and families know there is a safe place, and this has changed the way the Centre Region deals with child abuse.
Adrienne Krasowitz, Executive Director of the Mount Nittany Health Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for this remarkable commitment. “This generous gift from Jack and Karen will profoundly impact the CAC’s ability to continue to serve our community. Their commitment underscores the power of collaboration between local businesses and the healthcare sector.”
The funds will be allocated toward critical needs within the CAC with the goal of creating a strong basis from which to support the long-term needs of the CAC. The Infields’ generosity is a great inspiration to others interested in contributing to the betterment of our community.
For more information on the CAC, please visit mountnittany.org/childadvocacycenter.