On May 17, 2024 we heard from Jake Hedden, Donor Engagement Officer of BraveBe - Child Advocacy Center.
Jake decided to share stories - the story about how he got to his position and stories about people and his work.
Jake grew up on "small town" Nebraska. There weren't many opportunities to get involved or many friends. As soon as he had an opportunity he wanted to take off - and he landed at Peru State College with a goal of becoming a teacher.
With a little experience at school he realized that teaching was no longer a goal and he pursued criminal justice. He had only a few friends and they still were not involved much outside of their classes. Elaine Hanson, the first lady of Peru State College, approached his group of friends one day. She asked if they would be interested in starting a Rotaract Club - to "do good in the world". That idea struck a cord with Jake - helping people - and the Rotaract Club was started at Peru State College.
The Rotaract Club raised thousands of dollars for community service. He was exposed to leadership opportunities and the benefits of serving the community - working for others. The Club members had an opportunity to go to Washington and were exposed to government and organizations that are serving our communities.
Jake truly believes that the opportunities that Rotaract offered helped him find his love language. His passion for non-profit work started with Rotaract.
Jake started at BraveBe as a forensic interview intern. He explained that a forensic interview is conducted on behalf of law enforcement, DHHS, etc. for mutual fact-finding. He said that besides forensic interviewers, there are a number of advocates (helping children and families navigate the systems) and medical professionals that help provide a non-intrusive examination.
With Jake's experience and results, he found himself taking on tough cases. He shared a story of one in particular where he worked with a 13-year old girl in Auburn after they learned that there may be sexual abuse from the step-father. The officials were concerned that her step-father may be grooming her for sexual assault and maybe sex trafficking.
The young lady would not talk to Jake - would not share - would not answer any questions. He met with her a couple of times with no results.
A couple of months went by - and he got a call from the State Patrol. There was enough evidence now and a search of the home was conducted. They seized photos and video evidence. He was given a large binder with photos. He pulled the binder out when he next met with her and started to open it - and she said NOPE. She did not go through the photos - but she did talk. She shared events and time lines - the full story.
He was with her on the day of sentencing of her step-father as an advocate - to support her. Jake admitted that he did not really know what to say to her after sentencing but he wanted to be there for her. She gave him a green rock with the word "truth" engraved on it. As she handed it to him she said "thank you for finding my truth".
This gesture - the words - were strong. We learned that Jake and his younger brother were abused as children. He knows how important it is that he is the type of adult that he needed when he was young - vulnerable - and did not have.
BIO
Jake Hedden is the Donor Engagement Officer at BraveBe Child Advocacy Center. He has been with BraveBe for 7 years and previously held the direct services roles of Forensic Interviewer, Lead Forensic Interviewer, and most recently Rural Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator. During his time as a Forensic Interview, Jake conducted over 1300 interviews of children who have been victims or have witnessed violent crimes. Jake also provides training to professionals and community members regarding Male Survivors, Digital Citizenship, and various other topics.
Jake holds degrees in Criminal Justice-Administration and Criminal Justice-Counseling from Peru State College. While attending Peru State, Jake was one of the founding members of the Rotaract Club, which raised over $15,000 through fundraisers for various projects. Throughout his career, Jake has been dedicated to sharing BraveBe’s mission, and his passion for non-profit work stemming from his time at Peru State and involvement with Rotaract.
Outside of work, Jake enjoys spending time with his family. He is also involved in the local disc golf community and coaches youth wrestling.
