HANCOCK COUNTY — The county’s safe haven for children who have been neglected and abused is set to open this week.
Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center, 953 West North Street, will have a grand opening for the community from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, with a ribbon cutting ceremony set for 6 p.m.
Officials had originally planned to open the advocacy center in the spring. The pandemic, however, kept the staff from attending training needed before the center could open.
Executive director Crystal Wiley, who was hired in January, said it’s an exciting time for the staff and the community, because an important resource in battling abuse and neglect is about to launch. Zoey’s Place — named for Zoey Wagoner, a 1-year-old girl who died of severe abuse in 2015 — will be a safe haven where victims and their families will be able to share their stories and assist law enforcement.
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“Kids need to have a safe place they can go through an interview, and families need a comfortable place where they can speak with investigators,” Wiley said.
During the delay before opening, officials were able to secure more partnerships and grants that will help sustain the center.
“A child advocacy center is such a pivotal part of any community because we’re going to be serving victims — children who have been harmed,” Wiley said.
Wiley noted the importance of providing a safe, neutral environment for children and their families to meet with trained professionals.
It’s a view held by Zoey’s Place board president Katie Molinder and Bridget Foy, the former board president who was instrumental in getting the center started. They spent time at the former single-family residence last week to make sure everything was ready to go.
“We are so very excited to finally have the doors open,” Molinder said. “It’s something we’ve been slowly working toward during this entire down period.”
Part of the behind-the-scenes work included making sure the policies and procedures were well-vetted and consistent with what law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office and officials from the Department of Child Services wanted to do.
“We had to do things in a way where everybody agreed, and while their were a lot of challenges to getting the doors open, we’re pleased to have Zoey’s Place open this week,” Molinder said.
Part of the opening process will include community members meeting Wiley and staff. Wiley, who holds a master’s degree in social work, among other degrees, hired another staff member who was expected to start on Monday, Sept. 15. The new employee will also be a victim advocate, someone trained to conduct forensic interviews with the children.
“Once people start seeing the services we’re able to provide for children and families and we start getting referrals in and start building community partnerships and there is a chance for us to meet people, they’ll see how important this is to Hancock County,” Wiley said.
Since the center is a community-supported endeavor, board members are always looking for donations, monetary and otherwise. For now, due to coronavirus concerns, they can only accept unopened items in packages for children.
They also need office furniture, such as desks and side tables. Officials will have a full wish list available for people to look at during the open house.
“People who take the tour will see there are some things we still need, but we will be open and fully functional,” Molinder said.
More information on the county’s child advocacy center is available online by visiting www.zoeysplacecac.org.
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Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center grand opening
When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. Ribbon Cutting ceremony will be at 6 p.m.
Where: 953 W. North Street, Greenfield
A tour will be provided for those who are interested. Social distancing and masks will be required.
More information online: zoeysplacecac.org.
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