By Kelsey Swanekamp
Why would a group of bikers — yes, those bikers, with the leather vests and roaring motorcycles, band together to help abused children recover their confidence and feel safe in their homes? Quite simply, Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) saw a gap in agencies providing these services and realized no one else was doing this work.
BACA, with chapters in 47 states and 18 countries, provides social support to guide children through the darkness of abuse. BACA’s Buffalo members welcome a child into their own families, and provide the child with a personalized biker vest, a teddy bear that has been hugged by all BACA members, and a commitment to show up and be there 24/7.
“The child no longer needs to be afraid,” says one member. “They become part of a family that pledges to protect them from further abuse.”
Bikers stand guard outside a child’s home assuring the child can sleep soundly and unafraid, or accompany the child to court when called upon to testify against an abuser. Children are also invited on a ride with bikers to help build their confidence and establish a lasting bond.
The work, though at times emotionally grueling and demanding, is unquestionably worth it. “When children see BACA supporting them, the light comes back into their eyes. Their self-confidence is beaming. They do better in school. They are not afraid anymore,” says another member. “BACA gives them their lives back.”
BACA is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more at www.bacaworld.org, call the Buffalo chapter at 716-222-2856, or help line at 716-342-4107.
Kelsey Swanekamp is a Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism graduate, and a freelance writer.
