WHAT IS THE ACHE FOUNDATION?

The ACHE Foundation, a 501©(3) non-profit organization founded in 2005, is dedicated to stopping child molestation and by helping children understand how to reach out for help if they are or have been abused.

The two young founders are dedicated to stopping child molestation by sharing their own stories and experiences, and letting children know that it is okay to tell, because they are not alone. Its Headquarters are based in Fremont, California and is run almost entirely by volunteers.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the ACHE Foundation is to stop child molestation. The young founders want to achieve their goal by sharing their own stories and experiences with schools, youth and athletic groups, in hopes of giving other children the courage to tell someone if they have been abused.

HOW THE ACHE FOUNDATION GOT STARTED

Two young competitive gymnasts, Alexa and Courtney, formed the ACHE Foundation as part of their healing process, after suffering molestation by their gymnastics coach, Robert Shawler. Their inspiration came from their desire to help other children and from the support of Joni Leventis, the local District Attorney assigned to prosecute their case.

"Victims of child molestation suffer not only the physical trauma of the crime, but also the emotional anguish caused by the act itself and the breach of trust by the molester. Ironically, children feel ashamed to come forward as if they have done something wrong. Children like Courtney and Alexa can provide an amazing resource to victims of these crimes by telling children everywhere that it is all right to come forward so that child molesters don’t go free and children who suffer at their hands can move on with their lives in a positive way," said Ms. Leventis.

Courtney and Alexa want to help all molested children who are afraid to come forward. They believe that by coming forward they are "STRONGER NOW." Alexa states, "I want children to know that by them coming forward they could be saving a lot of other children." Courtney adds, "Even if you only save one child, it is worth speaking out."