From: Emily Hutcheson
Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center
Ten years ago, our agency was facing a challenge that would ultimately shape the future of child advocacy in Elmore County. We knew there was a growing need for a local child advocacy center so children and families wouldn’t have to travel long distances during some of the hardest moments of their lives. What began as a satellite office of Child Protect — and later became Butterfly Bridge’s Elmore County satellite office — needed a permanent home.
We searched for months, touring multiple properties across the county. Many of the spaces had potential, but the rental rates and renovation requirements were far beyond what our nonprofit budget could sustain. Doors kept closing, and we weren’t sure how we would ever find a space that was both suitable and affordable.
Then came a call about a building on Coosa River Parkway. The space had previously been a hair salon and later the Republican headquarters. When we toured it, we could clearly envision how it could be transformed into a child‑friendly, trauma‑informed environment — but the renovation costs still felt out of reach.
That’s when Keith Holley stepped in.
Keith is a well‑known business owner and commercial real‑estate investor in Elmore County. His work includes developing shopping centers, leasing more than 40 units in Wetumpka, and leading successful redevelopment projects — from transforming a Piggly Wiggly into a thriving neighborhood grocery store to rebuilding a car wash into a high‑capacity express model. His experience, vision, and commitment to strengthening the local business landscape have made him a respected leader in the community.
But what truly sets Keith apart is his heart.
After hearing about our mission and the children we serve, he didn’t hesitate. Out of pure generosity, he offered to cover the cost of the renovation and worked with us to make the building financially attainable. Because of his kindness, we opened our doors at 633 Coosa River Parkway and began serving children in a space designed with their safety and comfort in mind.
A few years later, when the building next door became available, we wondered if expanding was even possible. Once again, Keith stepped forward without hesitation. He offered the same support — covering renovation costs and helping us secure the space so we could grow alongside the needs of our community.
Keith has always understood the importance of having a child advocacy center right here in Elmore County. His belief in our mission has allowed us to serve close to 1,000 children and families over the past decade. Every forensic interview, every therapy session, every moment of support offered to a child or caregiver has been made possible, in part, because Keith chose to invest in something bigger than himself.
His generosity didn’t just give us a building — it gave children a place to feel safe, heard, and supported. It gave families a place to begin healing. And it gave our staff the space and stability needed to do this work with excellence.
We are profoundly grateful for Keith Holley — for his heart, his vision, and his unwavering commitment to the children of Elmore County. His impact will continue to ripple through this community for years to come.
