Credit: Mission Kids
Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center welcomed nearly 200 supporters on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, for its annual Mugs for a Mission fundraiser hosted at MaGerks Pub & Grill in Fort Washington. The event brought together community members and Multidisciplinary Team partners who work every day to protect children and support families affected by abuse in Montgomery County.
This year’s fall fundraiser raised nearly $24,000 through sponsorships and on-site giving. These essential funds help Mission Kids continue providing child-centered forensic interviews, family advocacy, therapeutic support, medical coordination, and prevention education across the region.
A central moment of the evening was the recognition of three exceptional Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) professionals whose leadership, compassion, and expertise strengthen the community’s collaborative response to child abuse. Each honoree embodies the knowledge, skill, and heart that make Montgomery County’s child protection network one of the strongest in the region.
Dr. Kristen A. Caprara, PsyD
Division Director of Montgomery County Services, Children’s Crisis Treatment Center
Dr. Caprara is widely regarded as a trusted expert in child and family trauma with more than twenty years of experience supporting caregivers and children through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her partnership with Mission Kids led to the county’s first evidence-based psychoeducation program for caregivers whose children have experienced abuse. She is known for her clarity, calmness, and ability to guide families with both clinical precision and genuine compassion. Her leadership continues to shape best practices across Montgomery County and serves as a model for child advocacy centers beyond the region.
Lauren Marvel, Esq.
Assistant Chief of Trials Division, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
Marvel is a distinguished prosecutor whose work reflects a powerful blend of legal expertise, survivor-centered advocacy, and a fierce commitment to justice. She plays a key role in training new attorneys, strengthening investigative and courtroom protocols, and improving countywide systems that support child abuse survivors. Colleagues often describe her as the person who brings both courage and heart to every case. Her ability to balance rigorous legal standards with empathy for victims sets her apart as a leader in her field.
Det. Stephen Sowell
Detective, Norristown Police Department
Det. Sowell is a cornerstone of the Norristown community. Before joining the police force, he worked as a social worker, an experience that shaped his understanding of trauma, human behavior, and the needs of vulnerable youth. His ability to build trust with young people has made him a vital presence in schools and community spaces, where he forms genuine connections and helps children navigate challenges with steadiness, humor, and care. His leadership in Mission Kids’ Promoting Safe Behaviors Program has strengthened outreach to at-risk teens and created meaningful opportunities for growth and safety. Det. Sowell’s mix of expertise, compassion, and community commitment makes him an invaluable partner in the county’s response to child abuse.
Following the award presentations, guests enjoyed a lively evening of raffles, silent auction items, themed baskets, and community connection throughout MaGerks. The energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that every child supported by Mission Kids has access to safety, hope, and trusted care.
“Every year Mugs for a Mission shows us what community truly looks like,” said Leslie Slingsby, Chief Executive Officer of Services and Operations at Mission Kids. “We’re incredibly grateful to our honorees and to everyone who came out to support the children and families we serve. Their dedication keeps hope moving forward for kids who have experienced abuse in Montgomery County.”
Mission Kids extends heartfelt thanks to every sponsor, donor, attendee, and partner whose generosity made the evening possible. Your support fuels critical services that protect children and strengthen healing across Montgomery County and beyond.
To learn more about Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center, visit https://missionkidscac.org
